Heat and corrosion resistant cast CF8C stainless steel with improved high temperature strength and ductility

DOEpatents

Maziasz, Philip J.; McGreevy, Tim; Pollard, Michael James; Siebenaler, Chad W.; Swindeman, Robert W.

2006-12-26

A CF8C type stainless steel alloy and articles formed therefrom containing about 18.0 weight percent to about 22.0 weight percent chromium and 11.0 weight percent to about 14.0 weight percent nickel; from about 0.05 weight percent to about 0.15 weight percent carbon; from about 2.0 weight percent to about 10.0 weight percent manganese; and from about 0.3 weight percent to about 1.5 weight percent niobium. The present alloys further include less than 0.15 weight percent sulfur which provides high temperature strength both in the matrix and at the grain boundaries without reducing ductility due to cracking along boundaries with continuous or nearly-continuous carbides. The disclosed alloys also have increased nitrogen solubility thereby enhancing strength at all temperatures because nitride precipitates or nitrogen porosity during casting are not observed. The solubility of nitrogen is dramatically enhanced by the presence of manganese, which also retains or improves the solubility of carbon thereby providing additional solid solution strengthening due to the presence of manganese and nitrogen, and combined carbon.

Heat and corrosion resistant cast CF8C stainless steel with improved high temperature strength and ductility

DOEpatents

Maziasz, Philip J.; McGreevy, Tim; Pollard, Michael James; Siebenaler, Chad W.; Swindeman, Robert W.

2010-08-17

A CF8C type stainless steel alloy and articles formed therefrom containing about 18.0 weight percent to about 22.0 weight percent chromium and 11.0 weight percent to about 14.0 weight percent nickel; from about 0.05 weight percent to about 0.15 weight percent carbon; from about 2.0 weight percent to about 10.0 weight percent manganese; and from about 0.3 weight percent to about 1.5 weight percent niobium. The present alloys further include less than 0.15 weight percent sulfur which provides high temperature strength both in the matrix and at the grain boundaries without reducing ductility due to cracking along boundaries with continuous or nearly-continuous carbides. The disclosed alloys also have increased nitrogen solubility thereby enhancing strength at all temperatures because nitride precipitates or nitrogen porosity during casting are not observed. The solubility of nitrogen is dramatically enhanced by the presence of manganese, which also retains or improves the solubility of carbon thereby providing additional solid solution strengthening due to the presence of manganese and nitrogen, and combined carbon.

Resistant starch and energy balance: impact on weight loss and maintenance.

PubMed

Higgins, Janine A

2014-01-01

The obesity epidemic has prompted researchers to find effective weight-loss and maintenance tools. Weight loss and subsequent maintenance are reliant on energy balance--the net difference between energy intake and energy expenditure. Negative energy balance, lower intake than expenditure, results in weight loss whereas positive energy balance, greater intake than expenditure, results in weight gain. Resistant starch has many attributes, which could promote weight loss and/or maintenance including reduced postprandial insulinemia, increased release of gut satiety peptides, increased fat oxidation, lower fat storage in adipocytes, and preservation of lean body mass. Retention of lean body mass during weight loss or maintenance would prevent the decrease in basal metabolic rate and, therefore, the decrease in total energy expenditure, that occurs with weight loss. In addition, the fiber-like properties of resistant starch may increase the thermic effect of food, thereby increasing total energy expenditure. Due to its ability to increase fat oxidation and reduce fat storage in adipocytes, resistant starch has recently been promoted in the popular press as a "weight loss wonder food". This review focuses on data describing the effects of resistant starch on body weight, energy intake, energy expenditure, and body composition to determine if there is sufficient evidence to warrant these claims.

Obesity and weight management at menopause.

PubMed

Proietto, Joseph

2017-06-01

Many women report gaining weight as they transition through menopause. For most, the weight gain is modest and can be reduced with a conscious effort to limit energy intake and increase energy expenditure. However, many women who are already overweight and obese will gain more weight as they approach menopause. The aims of this paper are to explain the reasons for menopausal weight gain and to detail a method for achieving and sustaining a substantial weight loss. Weight gain during menopause is predominantly due to a reduction in spontaneous activity. For women who are lean, advice about controlling energy intake and increasing physical activity may be all that is required to prevent weight gain. For women who are overweight and obese rapid weight loss is best achieved with the help of a very low energy diet. This must be followed by lifelong behaviour modification with or without the help of hunger-suppressing pharmacotherapy.

Prostate enlargement in mice due to fetal exposure to low doses of estradiol or diethylstilbestrol and opposite effects at high doses

PubMed Central

Saal, Frederick S. vom; Timms, Barry G.; Montano, Monica M.; Palanza, Paola; Thayer, Kristina A.; Nagel, Susan C.; Dhar, Minati D.; Ganjam, V. K.; Parmigiani, Stefano; Welshons, Wade V.

1997-01-01

On the basis of results of studies using high doses of estrogens, exposure to estrogen during fetal life is known to inhibit prostate development. However, it is recognized in endocrinology that low concentrations of a hormone can stimulate a tissue, while high concentrations can have the opposite effect. We report here that a 50% increase in free-serum estradiol in male mouse fetuses (released by a maternal Silastic estradiol implant) induced a 40% increase in the number of developing prostatic glands during fetal life; subsequently, in adulthood, the number of prostatic androgen receptors per cell was permanently increased by 2-fold, and the prostate was enlarged by 30% (due to hyperplasia) relative to untreated males. However, as the free serum estradiol concentration in male fetuses was increased from 2- to 8-fold, adult prostate weight decreased relative to males exposed to the 50% increase in estradiol. As a model for fetal exposure to man-made estrogens, pregnant mice were fed diethylstilbestrol (DES) from gestation days 11 to 17. Relative to controls, DES doses of 0.02, 0.2, and 2.0 ng per g of body weight per day increased adult prostate weight, whereas a 200-ng-per-g dose decreased adult prostate weight in male offspring. Our findings suggest that a small increase in estrogen may modulate the action of androgen in regulating prostate differentiation, resulting in a permanent increase in prostatic androgen receptors and prostate size. For both estradiol and DES, prostate weight first increased then decreased with dose, resulting in an inverted-U dose-response relationship. PMID:9050904

Partial sleep deprivation by environmental noise increases food intake and body weight in obesity resistant rats

PubMed Central

Mavanji, Vijayakumar; Teske, Jennifer A.; Billington, Charles J.; Kotz, Catherine M.

2012-01-01

Objective Sleep-restriction in humans increases risk for obesity, but previous rodent studies show weight loss following sleep deprivation, possibly due to stressful-methods used to prevent sleep. Obesity-resistant (OR) rats exhibit consolidated-sleep and resistance to weight-gain. We hypothesized that sleep disruption by a less-stressful method would increase body weight, and examined effect of partial sleep deprivation (PSD) on body weight in OR and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Design and Methods OR and SD rats (n=12/group) were implanted with transmitters to record sleep/wake. After baseline recording, six SD and six OR rats underwent 8 h PSD during light-phase for 9 d. Sleep was reduced using recordings of random noise. Sleep/wake states were scored as wakefulness (W), slow-wave-sleep (SWS) and rapid-eye-movement-sleep (REMS). Total number of transitions between stages, SWS-delta-power, food intake and body weight were documented. Results Exposure to noise decreased SWS and REMS time, while increasing W time. Sleep-deprivation increased number of transitions between stages and SWS-delta-power. Further, PSD during the rest phase increased recovery-sleep during active phase. The PSD SD and OR rats had greater food intake and body weight compared to controls Conclusions PSD by less-stressful means increases body weight in rats. Also, PSD during rest phase increases active period sleep. PMID:23666828

Partial sleep deprivation by environmental noise increases food intake and body weight in obesity-resistant rats.

PubMed

Mavanji, Vijayakumar; Teske, Jennifer A; Billington, Charles J; Kotz, Catherine M

2013-07-01

Sleep restriction in humans increases risk for obesity, but previous rodent studies show weight loss following sleep deprivation, possibly due to stressful methods used to prevent sleep. Obesity-resistant (OR) rats exhibit consolidated-sleep and resistance to weight gain. It was hypothesized that sleep disruption by a less-stressful method would increase body weight, and the effect of partial sleep deprivation (PSD) on body weight in OR and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was examined. OR and SD rats (n = 12/group) were implanted with transmitters to record sleep/wake. After baseline recording, six SD and six OR rats underwent 8 h PSD during light phase for 9 days. Sleep was reduced using recordings of random noise. Sleep/wake states were scored as wakefulness (W), slow-wave-sleep (SWS), and rapid-eye-movement-sleep (REMS). Total number of transitions between stages, SWS-delta-power, food intake, and body weight were documented. Exposure to noise decreased SWS and REMS time, while increasing W time. Sleep-deprivation increased the number of transitions between stages and SWS-delta-power. Further, PSD during the rest phase increased recovery sleep during the active phase. The PSD SD and OR rats had greater food intake and body weight compared to controls PSD by less-stressful means increases body weight in rats. Also, PSD during the rest phase increases active period sleep. Copyright © 2012 The Obesity Society.

Carcase weight and dressing percentage are increased using Australian Sheep Breeding Values for increased weight and muscling and reduced fat depth.

PubMed

Gardner, G E; Williams, A; Ball, A J; Jacob, R H; Refshauge, G; Hocking Edwards, J; Behrendt, R; Pethick, D W

2015-01-01

Pre-slaughter live weight, dressing percentage, and hot standard carcase weight (HCWT) from the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 birth-years of the Information Nucleus Flock Lambs (n=7325) were analysed using linear mixed effects models. Increasing the sire breeding value for post-weaning weight (PWWT), and c-site eye muscle depth (PEMD), and reducing the sire breeding value for fat depth (PFAT) all had positive impacts on HCWT. The magnitude of the PWWT effect was greater in pure bred Merinos compared to Maternal and Terminal sired progeny. The improved HCWT resulting from increased PEMD was entirely due to its impact on improving dressing percentage, given that it had no impact on pre-slaughter live weight. There were marked differences between sire types and dam breeds, with pure-bred Merinos having lower pre-slaughter weight, reduced dressing percentage, and lower HCWT than progeny from Terminal and Maternal sired lambs or progeny from Maternal (1st cross) dams. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adverse Psychiatric Effects Associated with Herbal Weight-Loss Products

PubMed Central

Coviello, Marialuce; Francesconi, Marta; Hough, Christina M.; De Stefano, Gianfranco; Bolzan Mariotti Posocco, Flaminia; Minichino, Amedeo; Corazza, Ornella

2015-01-01

Obesity and overeating are among the most prevalent health concerns worldwide and individuals are increasingly using performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) as an easy and fast way to control their weight. Among these, herbal weight-loss products (HWLPs) often attract users due to their health claims, assumed safety, easy availability, affordable price, extensive marketing, and the perceived lack of need for professional oversight. Reports suggest that certain HWLPs may lead to onset or exacerbation of psychiatric disturbances. Here we review the available evidence on psychiatric adverse effects of HWLPs due to their intrinsic toxicity and potential for interaction with psychiatric medications. PMID:26457296

Why even active people get fatter--the asymmetric effects ofincreasing and decreasing exercise

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williams, Paul T.

2006-01-06

Background: Public health policies for preventing obesityneed guidelines for active individuals who are at risk due to exerciserecidivism. Methods: Changes in adiposity were compared to the runningdistances at baseline and follow-up in men and women whose reportedexercise increased (N=4,632 and 1,953, respectively) or decreased (17,280and 5,970, respectively) during 7.7 years of follow-up. Results: PerDelta km/wk, decreases in running distance caused over four-fold greaterweight gain between 0-8 km/wk (slope+-SE, males: -0.068+ -0.005 kg/m2,females: -0.080+-0.01 kg/m2) than between 32-48 km/wk (-0.017+-0.002 and-0.010+-0.005 kg/m2, respectively). In contrast, increases in runningdistance produced the smallest weight losses between 0-8 km/wk andstatistically significant weight loss onlymore » above 16 km/wk in males and 32km/wk in females. Above 32 km/wk (30 kcal/kg) in men and 16 km/wk (15kcal/kg) in women, weight loss from increasing exercise was equal to orgreater than weight gained with decreasing exercise, otherwise weightgain exceeded weight loss. Substantial weight gain occurred in runnerswho quit running, which would be mostly retained with resumed activity.Conclusion: Public health recommendations should warn against the risksof irreversible weight gain with exercise cessation. Weight gained due toreductions in exercise below 30 kcal/kg in men and 15 kcal/kg in womenmay not be reversed by resuming prior activity. Current IOM guidelines(i.e., maintain total energy expenditure at 160 percent of basal) agreewith the men s exercise threshold for symmetric weight change withchanging exercise levels.« less

Sire carcass breeding values affect body composition in lambs - 1. Effects on lean weight and its distribution within the carcass as measured by computed tomography.

PubMed

Anderson, F; Williams, A; Pannier, L; Pethick, D W; Gardner, G E

2015-10-01

Data are obtained from computed tomography scanning of 1665 lambs at locations around Australia. Lambs were progeny of Terminal, Maternal and Merino sires with known Australian Sheep Breeding Values for post weaning c-site eye muscle depth (mm; PEMD) and fat depth (mm; PFAT), and post weaning weight (kg; PWWT). Across the 7.8 unit range of sire PEMD, carcass lean weight increased by 7.7%. This lean was distributed to the saddle section (mid-section) where lean became 3.8% heavier, with fore section lean becoming 3.5% lighter. Reducing sire PFAT across its 5.1 unit range increased carcass lean weight by 9.5%, and distributed lean to the saddle section which was 3.7% heavier. Increasing sire PWWT increased lean at some sites in some years, and on average increased saddle lean by 4% across the 24.7 unit PWWT range. Changes in lean weight and distribution due to selection for carcass breeding values will increase carcass value, particularly through increased weight of high value loin cuts. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Oxidation Behavior of Carbon Steel: Effect of Formation Temperature and pH of the Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubey, Vivekanand; Kain, Vivekanand

2017-11-01

The nature of surface oxide formed on carbon steel piping used in nuclear power plants affects flow-accelerated corrosion. In this investigation, carbon steel specimens were oxidized in an autoclave using demineralized water at various temperatures (150-300 °C) and at pH levels (neutral, 9.5). At low temperatures (< 240 °C), weight loss of specimens due to dissolution of iron in water occurred to a greater extent than weight gain due to oxide formation. With the increase in temperature, the extent of iron dissolution reduced and weight gain due to oxide formation increased. A similar trend was observed with the increase in pH as was observed with the increase in temperature. XRD and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of magnetite. The oxide film formed by precipitation process was negligible at temperatures from 150 to 240 °C compared to that at higher temperatures (> 240 °C) as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical impedance measurement followed by Mott-Schottky analysis indicated an increase in defect density with exposure duration at 150 °C at neutral pH but a low and stable defect density in alkaline environment. The defect density of the oxide formed at neutral pH at 150-300 °C was always higher than that formed in alkaline environment as reported in the literature.

Can exercise increase fitness and reduce weight in patients with schizophrenia and depression?

PubMed

Krogh, Jesper; Speyer, Helene; Nørgaard, Hans Christian Brix; Moltke, Ane; Nordentoft, Merete

2014-01-01

Psychiatric patients have a reduced life expectancy of 15-20 years compared with the general population. Most years of lost life are due to the excess mortality from somatic diseases. Sedentary lifestyle and medication is partly responsible for the high frequency of metabolic syndrome in this patient group and low levels of physical activity is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and all-cause mortality. This study aimed to review trials allocating patients with either schizophrenia or depression to exercise interventions for effect on cardiovascular fitness, strength, and weight. We searched PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO including randomized clinical trial allocating patients with either schizophrenia or depression to isolated exercise interventions. We identified five trials including patients with schizophrenia (n = 94) and found little evidence that exercise could increase cardiovascular fitness or decrease weight. Nine exercise trials for patients with depression (n = 892) were identified increasing cardiovascular fitness by 11-30% and strength by 33-37%. No evidence in favor of exercise for weight reduction was found. Based on the current evidence isolated exercise interventions are unlikely to improve cardiovascular fitness or induce weight loss in patients with schizophrenia. In patients with depression, exercise interventions are likely to induce clinically relevant short term effects, however, due to lack of reporting, little is known about the effect on weight reduction and cardiovascular fitness. Future exercise trials regarding patients with mental illness should preferably measure changes in cardiovascular strength, repetition maximum, and anthropometric outcomes. Ideally, participants should be assessed beyond the intervention to identify long lasting effects.

Improving Stiffness-to-weight Ratio of Spot-welded Structures based upon Nonlinear Finite Element Modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shengyong

2017-07-01

Spot welding has been widely used for vehicle body construction due to its advantages of high speed and adaptability for automation. An effort to increase the stiffness-to-weight ratio of spot-welded structures is investigated based upon nonlinear finite element analysis. Topology optimization is conducted for reducing weight in the overlapping regions by choosing an appropriate topology. Three spot-welded models (lap, doubt-hat and T-shape) that approximate “typical” vehicle body components are studied for validating and illustrating the proposed method. It is concluded that removing underutilized material from overlapping regions can result in a significant increase in structural stiffness-to-weight ratio.

Molecular weight dependence of carrier mobility and recombination rate in neat P3HT films

DOE PAGES

Dixon, Alex G.; Visvanathan, Rayshan; Clark, Noel A.; ...

2017-11-02

The microstructure dependence of carrier mobility and recombination rates of neat films of poly 3-hexylthyophene (P3HT) were determined for a range of materials of weight-average molecular weights, Mw, ranging from 14 to 331 kDa. This variation has previously been shown to modify the polymer microstructure, with low molecular weights forming a one-phase, paraffinic-like structure comprised of chain-extended crystallites, and higher molecular weights forming a semicrystalline structure with crystalline domains being embedded in an amorphous matrix. Using Charge Extraction by Linearly Increasing Voltage (CELIV), we show here that the carrier mobility in P3HT devices peaks for materials of Mw = 48more » kDa, and that the recombination rate decreases monotonically with increasing molecular weight. This trend is likely due to the development of a semicrystalline, two-phase structure with increasing Mw, which allows for the spatial separation of holes and electrons into the amorphous and crystalline regions, respectively. This separation leads to decreased recombination.« less

Why do individuals not lose more weight from an exercise intervention at a defined dose? An energy balance analysis

PubMed Central

Thomas, D. M.; Bouchard, C.; Church, T.; Slentz, C.; Kraus, W. E.; Redman, L. M.; Martin, C. K.; Silva, A. M.; Vossen, M.; Westerterp, K.; Heymsfield, S. B.

2013-01-01

Summary Weight loss resulting from an exercise intervention tends to be lower than predicted. Modest weight loss can arise from an increase in energy intake, physiological reductions in resting energy expenditure, an increase in lean tissue or a decrease in non-exercise activity. Lower than expected, weight loss could also arise from weak and invalidated assumptions within predictive models. To investigate these causes, we systematically reviewed studies that monitored compliance to exercise prescriptions and measured exercise-induced change in body composition. Changed body energy stores were calculated to determine the deficit between total daily energy intake and energy expenditures. This information combined with available measurements was used to critically evaluate explanations for low exercise-induced weight loss. We conclude that the small magnitude of weight loss observed from the majority of evaluated exercise interventions is primarily due to low doses of prescribed exercise energy expenditures compounded by a concomitant increase in caloric intake. PMID:22681398

Molecular weight dependence of carrier mobility and recombination rate in neat P3HT films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dixon, Alex G.; Visvanathan, Rayshan; Clark, Noel A.

The microstructure dependence of carrier mobility and recombination rates of neat films of poly 3-hexylthyophene (P3HT) were determined for a range of materials of weight-average molecular weights, Mw, ranging from 14 to 331 kDa. This variation has previously been shown to modify the polymer microstructure, with low molecular weights forming a one-phase, paraffinic-like structure comprised of chain-extended crystallites, and higher molecular weights forming a semicrystalline structure with crystalline domains being embedded in an amorphous matrix. Using Charge Extraction by Linearly Increasing Voltage (CELIV), we show here that the carrier mobility in P3HT devices peaks for materials of Mw = 48more » kDa, and that the recombination rate decreases monotonically with increasing molecular weight. This trend is likely due to the development of a semicrystalline, two-phase structure with increasing Mw, which allows for the spatial separation of holes and electrons into the amorphous and crystalline regions, respectively. This separation leads to decreased recombination.« less

Three-Dimensional Printing of Prosthetic Hands for Children.

PubMed

Burn, Matthew B; Ta, Anderson; Gogola, Gloria R

2016-05-01

Children with hand reductions, whether congenital or traumatic, have unique prosthetic needs. They present a challenge because of their continually changing size due to physical growth as well as changing needs due to psychosocial development. Conventional prosthetics are becoming more technologically advanced and increasingly complex. Although these are welcome advances for adults, the concomitant increases in weight, moving parts, and cost are not beneficial for children. Pediatric prosthetic needs may be better met with simpler solutions. Three-dimensional printing can be used to fabricate rugged, light-weight, easily replaceable, and very low cost assistive hands for children. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Preparation of Low Molecular Weight Gelatin Using Microwave Discharge Electrodeless Lamp/TiO2 Photocatalyst Hybrid System.

PubMed

Lee, Do-Jin; Kim, Hangun; Park, Young-Kwon; Kim, Byung Hoon; Lee, Heon; Jungf, Sana-Chul

2016-02-01

In this study, an MDEL/TiO2 photocatalyst hybrid system was applied to the production of low molecular weight gelatin. The molecular weight of produed gelatin decreased with increasing microwave intensity and increasing treatment time. The abscission of the chemical bonds between the con- stituents of gelatin by photocatalytic reaction did not alter the characteristics of gelatin. Formation of any by-products due to side reaction was not observed. It is suggested that gelatin was depolymerized by hydroxyl radicals produced during the MDEL/TiO2 photochemical reaction.

Do E-cigarettes induce weight changes and increase cardiometabolic risk? A signal for the future.

PubMed

Verhaegen, A; Van Gaal, L

2017-10-01

The prevalence of non-cigarette tobacco use in electronic cigarettes, also called vaping, is rapidly increasing, especially in adolescents and young adults, due to attractive marketing techniques promoting them as healthier alternatives to conventional tobacco cigarettes. Although smoking is associated with weight loss, it increases insulin resistance and attributes to other features of the metabolic syndrome, increasing the cardiometabolic risk profile. Whether vaping has the same deleterious effects on metabolic parameters as regular cigarette smoke has not yet been studied thoroughly in humans. However, animal model experiments attribute comparable effects of e-cigarette smoking, even without nicotine exposure, on weight and metabolic parameters as compared to smoking cigarettes. In this review paper, we want to give an overview of published data on the effects on weight and cardiometabolic parameters of e-cigarette use and formulate some mechanistic hypotheses. © 2017 World Obesity Federation.

Body Weight Gain and Hyperphagia After Administration of SGLT-2 Inhibitor: A Case Report.

PubMed

Hamamoto, Hiromi; Noda, Mitsuhiko

2015-12-07

A detailed description is given of a case we encountered in which unexpectedly marked weight gain occurred following a treatment switch from a GLP-1 receptor agonist to an SGLT-2 inhibitor The patient, a 44-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus, had gained about 10 kg in weight in the previous year. Therefore, metformin was replaced with liraglutide to obtain reduction of body weight. Although the patient lost about 8 kg (7%), during the 18-month period on the medication, the weight loss stabilized; therefore, the treatment was again switched to tofogliflozin to obtain further reduction of body weight. However, the patient reported increasing hunger and an exaggerated appetite from week 3 onward after the start of tofogliflozin, and gained about 9 kg in weight within 2 weeks, associated with a tendency towards increased HbA1c; therefore, tofogliflozin was discontinued. Immediate reinstitution of liraglutide resulted in reduction of the increased appetite, weight, and HbA1c level. Caution should be exercised against hyperphagia and weight gain due to hunger that may occur following discontinuation of a GLP-1 receptor agonist and/or initiation of an SGLT-2 inhibitor.

Effects of Variable Helmet Weight on Human Response to -Gx Impact

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-01

may increase the potential for aircrew neck injury during aircraft ejection due to the increase in dynamic loads generated in the cervical spine as a...began experiencing discomfort and pain when wearing 3.5 lb helmets at 10 G seat accelerations. While overall neck loads demonstrated little or no... cervical spine as a result of the change in helmet inertial properties including weight, center-of-gravity (CG), and moments-of-inertia (MOI

Characterization of paramagnetic effects of molecular oxygen on blood oxygenation level-dependent-modulated hyperoxic contrast studies of the human brain.

PubMed

Pilkinton, David T; Gaddam, Santosh R; Reddy, Ravinder

2011-09-01

In hyperoxic contrast studies modulated by the blood oxygenation level-dependent effect, it is often assumed that hyperoxia is a purely intravascular, positive contrast agent in T 2*-weighted images, and the effects that are not due to blood oxygenation level-dependent contrast are small enough to be ignored. In this study, this assumption is re-evaluated and non-blood oxygenation level-dependent effects in T 2*-weighted hyperoxic contrast studies of the human brain were characterized. We observed significant negative signal changes in T 2*-weighted images in the frontal lobes; B(0) maps suggest that this effect was primarily due to increased intravoxel dephasing from increased static field inhomogeneity due to susceptibility changes from oxygen in and around the upper airway. These static field effects were shown to scale with magnetic field strength. Signal changes observed around the brain periphery and in the ventricles suggest the effect of image distortions from oxygen-induced bulk B(0) shifts, along with a possible contribution from decreased T 2* due to oxygen dissolved in the cerebrospinal fluid. Reducing the concentration of inhaled oxygen was shown to mitigate negative contrast of molecular oxygen due to these effects, while still maintaining sufficient blood oxygenation level-dependent contrast to produce accurate measurements of cerebral blood volume. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Overweight, Obesity and Weight Control

PubMed Central

Alexander, Marie M.; Stare, Fredrick J.

1967-01-01

Evidence is cited showing that overweight is a health hazard, but that this is primarily true only when the excess weight is due to an excess accumulation of adipose tissue. Diagnosis of frank obesity should be established by a careful interpretation of height-weight tables and of all other pertinent data. Although many factors play an etiologic role, obesity can occur only when caloric intake exceeds caloric output, and can be obviated only when this imbalance is reversed. Therefore prevention of weight gain, which should receive increasing attention, and also satisfactory weight loss, both require that caloric output be increased through added physical activity and that caloric intake be decreased through diminished consumption. Success depends on recognizing the fallacy of all misleading misinformation, and on establishing permanent habits of regular exercise and of moderation in eating and drinking. Suggestions are made that can be effective guidelines to a commonsense program of weight control. PMID:6045471

Partial Sleep Deprivation Reduces the Efficacy of Orexin-A to Stimulate Physical Activity and Energy Expenditure.

PubMed

DePorter, Danielle P; Coborn, Jamie E; Teske, Jennifer A

2017-10-01

Sufficient sleep is required for weight maintenance. Sleep deprivation due to noise exposure stimulates weight gain by increasing hyperphagia and reducing energy expenditure (EE). Yet the mechanistic basis underlying the weight gain response is unclear. Orexin-A promotes arousal and negative energy balance, and orexin terminals project to the ventrolateral preoptic area (VLPO), which is involved in sleep-to-wake transitions. To determine whether sleep deprivation reduces orexin function in VLPO and to test the hypothesis that sleep deprivation would attenuate the orexin-A-stimulated increase in arousal, physical activity (PA), and EE. Electroencephalogram, electromyogram, distance traveled, and EE were determined in male Sprague-Dawley rats following orexin-A injections into VLPO both before and after acute (12-h) and chronic (8 h/d, 9 d) sleep deprivation by noise exposure. Orexin-A in the VLPO significantly increased arousal, PA, total EE, and PA-related EE and reduced sleep and respiratory quotient before sleep deprivation. In contrast to after acute sleep deprivation in which orexin-A failed to stimulate EE during PA only, orexin-A failed to significantly increase arousal, PA, fat oxidation, total EE, and PA-related EE after chronic sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation may reduce sensitivity to endogenous stimuli that enhance EE due to PA and thus stimulate weight gain. © 2017 The Obesity Society.

Respiratory load perception in overweight and asthmatic children.

PubMed

MacBean, Victoria; Wheatley, Lorna; Lunt, Alan C; Rafferty, Gerrard F

2017-05-01

Overweight asthmatic children report greater symptoms than normal weight asthmatics, despite comparable airflow obstruction. This has been widely assumed to be due to heightened perception of respiratory effort. Three groups of children (healthy weight controls, healthy weight asthmatics, overweight asthmatics) rated perceived respiratory effort throughout an inspiratory resistive loading protocol. Parasternal intercostal electromyogram was used as an objective marker of respiratory load; this was expressed relative to tidal volume and reported as a ratio of the baseline value (neuroventilatory activity ratio (NVEAR)). Significant increases in perception scores (p<0.0001), and decreases in NVEAR (p<0.0001) were observed from lowest to highest resistive load. Higher BMI increased overall perception scores, with no influence of asthma or BMI-for-age percentile on the resistance-perception relationships. These data, indicating elevated overall respiratory effort in overweight asthmatic children but comparable responses to dynamic changes in load, suggest that the greater disease burden in overweight asthmatic children may be due to altered respiratory mechanics associated with increased body mass. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Serum cholesterol reduction by feeding a high-cholesterol diet containing a lower-molecular-weight polyphenol fraction from peanut skin.

PubMed

Tamura, Tomoko; Inoue, Naoko; Shimizu-Ibuka, Akiko; Tadaishi, Miki; Takita, Toshichika; Arai, Soichi; Mura, Kiyoshi

2012-01-01

Feeding a high-cholesterol diet with a water-soluble peanut skin polyphenol fraction to rats reduced their plasma cholesterol level, with an increase in fecal cholesterol excretion. The hypocholesterolemic effect was greater with the lower-molecular-weight rather than higher-molecular-weight polyphenol fraction. This effect was possibly due to some oligomeric polyphenols which reduced the solubility of dietary cholesterol in intestinal bile acid-emulsified micelles.

Indications of caesarean section in overweight and obese versus normal-weight pregnant women: a retrospective cohort study.

PubMed

Fernández Alba, Juan Jesús; Paublete Herrera, Carmen; Vilar Sanchez, Angel; Gonzalez-Macias, Carmen; Castillo Lara, Maria; Torrejón, Rafael; Moreno Corral, Luis Javier

2018-02-01

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that indications of c-section in overweight or obese pregnant women are different from those with normal-weight. Retrospective cohort study at University Hospital of Puerto Real (Cádiz-Spain). We compared frequency distribution of c-section indications in overweight and obese versus normal-weight. The risk of c-section by different indications was calculated as relative risk. A total of 4685 births were included in the study. There are significant differences in the frequency distribution of caesarean indications among normal weight and overweight or obese women. In overweight, we found an increased risk of c-section due to previous c-section (RR: 1.73; confidence interval [CI] 95% 1.24-2.42), obstructed/non-progressive labour (RR: 1.34; CI 95% 1.03-1.75), failed induction of labour (RR: 2.38; CI 95% 1.30-4.34) and foetal distress (RR: 1.73; CI 95% 1.21-2.49). This risk was even higher in obese women: previous c-section (RR: 3.25; CI 95% 2.24-4.71), obstructed/non-progressive labour (RR: 2; CI 95% 1.45-2.77), failed induction (RR: 2.52; CI 95% 1.15-5.51) and foetal distress (RR: 2.35; CI 95% 1.51-3.65). The risk of caesarean section due to previous caesarean section, obstructed/non-progressive labour, failed induction of labour or foetal distress is greater in overweight and obese than in normal-weight. This increase in risk also increases progressively as maternal BMI increases.

The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats.

PubMed

Svensson, J; Lall, S; Dickson, S L; Bengtsson, B A; Rømer, J; Ahnfelt-Rønne, I; Ohlsson, C; Jansson, J O

2000-06-01

Growth hormone (GH) is of importance for normal bone remodelling. A recent clinical study demonstrated that MK-677, a member of a class of GH secretagogues (GHSs), increases serum concentrations of biochemical markers of bone formation and bone resorption. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the GHSs, ipamorelin (IPA) and GH-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6), increase bone mineral content (BMC) in young adult female rats. Thirteen-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were given IPA (0.5 mg/kg per day; n=7), GHRP-6 (0.5 mg/kg per day; n=8), GH (3.5 mg/kg per day; n=7), or vehicle administered continuously s.c. via osmotic minipumps for 12 weeks. The animals were followed in vivo by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements every 4th week. After the animals were killed, femurs were analysed in vitro by mid-diaphyseal peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) scans. After this, excised femurs and vertebrae L6 were analysed by the use of Archimedes' principle and by determinations of ash weights. All treatments increased body weight and total tibial and vertebral BMC measured by DXA in vivo compared with vehicle-treated controls. However, total BMC corrected for the increase in body weight (total BMC:body weight ratio) was unaffected. Tibial area bone mineral density (BMD, BMC/area) was increased, but total and vertebral area BMDs were unchanged. The pQCT measurements in vitro revealed that the increase in the cortical BMC was due to an increased cross-sectional bone area, whereas the cortical volumetric BMD was unchanged. Femur and vertebra L6 volumes were increased but no effect was seen on the volumetric BMDs as measured by Archimedes' principle. Ash weight was increased by all treatments, but the mineral concentration was unchanged. We conclude that treatment of adult female rats with the GHSs ipamorelin and GHRP-6 increases BMC as measured by DXA in vivo. The results of in vitro measurements using pQCT and Archimedes' principle, in addition to ash weight determinations, show that the increases in cortical and total BMC were due to an increased growth of the bones with increased bone dimensions, whereas the volumetric BMD was unchanged.

Cannabis: a self-medication drug for weight management? The never ending story.

PubMed

Bersani, Francesco Saverio; Santacroce, Rita; Coviello, Marialuce; Imperatori, Claudio; Francesconi, Marta; Vicinanza, Roberto; Minichino, Amedeo; Corazza, Ornella

2016-02-01

In a society highly focused on physical appearance, people are increasingly using the so-called performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) or life-style drugs as an easy way to control weight. Preliminary data from online sources (e.g. websites, drug forums, e-newsletters) suggest an increased use of cannabis amongst the general population as a PIED due to its putative weight-loss properties. The use of cannabis and/or cannabis-related products to lose weight may represent a new substance-use trend that should be carefully monitored and adequately investigated, especially in light of the well-known adverse psychiatric and somatic effects of cannabis, its possible interaction with other medications/drugs and the unknown and potentially dangerous composition of synthetic cannabimimetics preparations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Fracture mechanics analysis of cracked structures using weight function and neural network method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, J. G.; Zang, F. G.; Yang, Y.; Shi, K. K.; Fu, X. L.

2018-06-01

Stress intensity factors(SIFs) due to thermal-mechanical load has been established by using weight function method. Two reference stress states sere used to determine the coefficients in the weight function. Results were evaluated by using data from literature and show a good agreement between them. So, the SIFs can be determined quickly using the weight function obtained when cracks subjected to arbitrary loads, and presented method can be used for probabilistic fracture mechanics analysis. A probabilistic methodology considering Monte-Carlo with neural network (MCNN) has been developed. The results indicate that an accurate probabilistic characteristic of the KI can be obtained by using the developed method. The probability of failure increases with the increasing of loads, and the relationship between is nonlinear.

Standing economy: does the heterogeneity in the energy cost of posture maintenance reside in differential patterns of spontaneous weight-shifting?

PubMed

Miles-Chan, Jennifer L; Fares, Elie-Jacques; Berkachy, Redina; Jacquet, Philippe; Isacco, Laurie; Schutz, Yves; Montani, Jean-Pierre; Dulloo, Abdul G

2017-04-01

Due to sedentarity-associated disease risks, there is much interest in methods to increase low-intensity physical activity. In this context, it is widely assumed that altering posture allocation can modify energy expenditure (EE) to impact body-weight regulation and health. However, we have recently shown the existence of two distinct phenotypes pertaining to the energy cost of standing-with most individuals having no sustained increase in EE during steady-state standing relative to sitting comfortably. Here, we investigated whether these distinct phenotypes are related to the presence/absence of spontaneous "weight-shifting", i.e. the redistribution of body-weight from one foot to the other. Using indirect calorimetry to measure EE in young adults during sitting and 10 min of steady-state standing, we examined: (i) heterogeneity in EE during standing (n = 36); (ii) EE and spontaneous weight-shifting patterns (n = 18); (iii) EE during spontaneous weight-shifting versus experimentally induced weight-shifting (n = 7), and; (iv) EE during spontaneous weight-shifting versus intermittent leg/body displacement (n = 6). Despite heterogeneity in EE response to steady-state standing, no differences were found in the amount or pattern of spontaneous weight-shifting between the two phenotypes. Whilst experimentally induced weight-shifting resulted in a mean EE increase of only 11% (range: 0-25%), intermittent leg/body displacement increased EE to >1.5 METs in all participants. Although the variability in spontaneous weight-shifting signatures between individuals does not appear to underlie heterogeneity in the energy cost of standing posture maintenance, these studies underscore the fact that leg/body displacement, rather than standing posture alone, is needed to increase EE above the currently defined sedentary threshold.

Administration of Saccharin to Neonatal Mice Influences Body Composition of Adult Males and Reduces Body Weight of Females

PubMed Central

Parlee, Sebastian D.; Simon, Becky R.; Scheller, Erica L.; Alejandro, Emilyn U.; Learman, Brian S.; Krishnan, Venkatesh; Bernal-Mizrachi, Ernesto

2014-01-01

Nutritional or pharmacological perturbations during perinatal growth can cause persistent effects on the function of white adipose tissue, altering susceptibility to obesity later in life. Previous studies have established that saccharin, a nonnutritive sweetener, inhibits lipolysis in mature adipocytes and stimulates adipogenesis. Thus, the current study tested whether neonatal exposure to saccharin via maternal lactation increased susceptibility of mice to diet-induced obesity. Saccharin decreased body weight of female mice beginning postnatal week 3. Decreased liver weights on week 14 corroborated this diminished body weight. Initially, saccharin also reduced male mouse body weight. By week 5, weights transiently rebounded above controls, and by week 14, male body weights did not differ. Body composition analysis revealed that saccharin increased lean and decreased fat mass of male mice, the latter due to decreased adipocyte size and epididymal, perirenal, and sc adipose weights. A mild improvement in glucose tolerance without a change in insulin sensitivity or secretion aligned with this leaner phenotype. Interestingly, microcomputed tomography analysis indicated that saccharin also increased cortical and trabecular bone mass of male mice and modified cortical bone alone in female mice. A modest increase in circulating testosterone may contribute to the leaner phenotype in male mice. Accordingly, the current study established a developmental period in which saccharin at high concentrations reduces adiposity and increases lean and bone mass in male mice while decreasing generalized growth in female mice. PMID:24456165

A Different Weight Loss Experience: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Behavioral, Physical, and Psychosocial Changes Associated with Yoga That Promote Weight Loss

PubMed Central

Brooks, A.; Touchton-Leonard, K.

2016-01-01

Yoga interventions improve obesity-related outcomes including body mass index (BMI), body weight, body fat, and waist circumference, yet it is unclear whether these improvements are due to increased physical activity, increased lean muscle mass, and/or changes in eating behaviors. The purpose of this study is to expand our understanding of the experience of losing weight through yoga. Methods. Semistructured interviews were qualitatively analyzed using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Results. Two distinct groups who had lost weight through yoga responded: those who were overweight and had repeatedly struggled in their attempts to lose weight (55%, n = 11) and those who were of normal weight and had lost weight unintentionally (45%, n = 9). Five themes emerged that differed slightly by group: shift toward healthy eating, impact of the yoga community/yoga culture, physical changes, psychological changes, and the belief that the yoga weight loss experience was different than past weight loss experiences. Conclusions. These findings imply that yoga could offer diverse behavioral, physical, and psychosocial effects that may make it a useful tool for weight loss. Role modeling and social support provided by the yoga community may contribute to weight loss, particularly for individuals struggling to lose weight. PMID:27594890

A Different Weight Loss Experience: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Behavioral, Physical, and Psychosocial Changes Associated with Yoga That Promote Weight Loss.

PubMed

Ross, A; Brooks, A; Touchton-Leonard, K; Wallen, G

2016-01-01

Yoga interventions improve obesity-related outcomes including body mass index (BMI), body weight, body fat, and waist circumference, yet it is unclear whether these improvements are due to increased physical activity, increased lean muscle mass, and/or changes in eating behaviors. The purpose of this study is to expand our understanding of the experience of losing weight through yoga. Methods. Semistructured interviews were qualitatively analyzed using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Results. Two distinct groups who had lost weight through yoga responded: those who were overweight and had repeatedly struggled in their attempts to lose weight (55%, n = 11) and those who were of normal weight and had lost weight unintentionally (45%, n = 9). Five themes emerged that differed slightly by group: shift toward healthy eating, impact of the yoga community/yoga culture, physical changes, psychological changes, and the belief that the yoga weight loss experience was different than past weight loss experiences. Conclusions. These findings imply that yoga could offer diverse behavioral, physical, and psychosocial effects that may make it a useful tool for weight loss. Role modeling and social support provided by the yoga community may contribute to weight loss, particularly for individuals struggling to lose weight.

Out-of-pocket health care expenditures due to excess of body weight in Portugal.

PubMed

Veiga, Paula

2008-03-01

The prevalence for excessive weight has also been increasing dramatically in Portugal over the last decades. The consequences for families as well as for the publicly funded Portuguese health care system are a matter of policy interest. This paper uses an econometric model to compute the fraction of the national out-of-pocket health care expenditures attributable to overweight and obesity among Portuguese adults. Given that public health care system pays for a substantial share of the national health care expenditures, the estimated the out-of-pocket expenditures is only a share of the total expenditures. Per-capita expenditures and the burden that obesity and overweight impose on families are also estimated. Two waves of the Portuguese National Health Survey (NHS), namely; 1995/1996 and 1998/1999 are considered. The results suggest that out-of-pocket expenditures due to excess weight have increased sharply during these 3 years. The two-part model estimates suggest that the obese and overweight are more likely to incur out-of-pocket health care expenditures but, in the restricted sample of those that incur expenditures, there is weak or no evidence that the obese or overweight spend, on average, more than those of normal weight. Overall, it is estimated that in 1995/1996, more than 1.8% out-of-pocket health care expenditures were attributable to obesity and 2% to overweight (although not statistically significant). The estimated percentages are over 2.9% for obesity and 4% for overweight in 1998/1999. Combined, the estimated attributable percentage of national out-of-pocket expenditures due to excess weight was 3.8% in 1995/1996 and 6.9% in 1998/1999. Per-capita expenditures due to obesity or overweight are small, on average, in absolute terms, but they can be a significant cost for low income families. With respect to public policy concerns, the results suggest that measures which only slightly increase the out-of-pocket health care expenditures of being obese (overweight) are likely to be inefficient.

[Body weight gain after radioiodine therapy in hyperthyroidism].

PubMed

Scheidhauer, K; Odatzidu, L; Kiencke, P; Schicha, H

2002-02-01

Analysis and follow up of body weight after radioiodine therapy (RITh) of hyperthyroidism, since excessive weight gain is a common complaint among these patients. Therapy and body weight related data of 100 consecutive RITh-patients were retrospectively analysed from the time before up to three years after RITh. All patients suffered from hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease or autonomy), but were adjusted to euthyroid levels after RITh. Patients' data were compared to a control group of 48 euthyroid patients out of the same ambulance and during the same time scale. All patients (RITh and controls) gained weight over the time. There was no statistically significant difference in BMI development over three years between RITh-patients and controls (5.5% resp. 4.9% increase). In the first year after RITh, weight gain of the RITh patients was higher indeed, but lower in the follow up, resulting in the same range of weight gain after three years as the controls. Besides that women showed a slightly higher increase of BMI than men, and so did younger patients compared to elder as well as patients with overweight already before RITh. An initially distinct increase of body weight after RITh of hyperthyroidism is mainly a compensation of pretherapeutic weight loss due to hyperthyroidism. Presupposing adequate euthyroid adjustment of thyroid metabolism after therapy, RITh is not responsible for later weight gain and adipositas.

Passive attenuation of cortical pattern evoked potentials with increasing body weight in young male rhesus macaques.

PubMed

Komaromy, Andras M; Brooks, Dennis E; Kallberg, Maria E; Dawson, William W; Sapp, Harold L; Sherwood, Mark B; Lambrou, George N; Percicot, Christine L

2003-05-01

The purpose of our study was to determine changes in amplitudes and implicit times of retinal and cortical pattern evoked potentials with increasing body weight in young, growing rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Retinal and cortical pattern evoked potentials were recorded from 29 male rhesus macaques between 3 and 7 years of age. Thirteen animals were reexamined after 11 months. Computed tomography (CT) was performed on two animals to measure the distance between the location of the skin electrode and the surface of the striate cortex. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to describe the relationship between body weights and either root mean square (rms) amplitudes or implicit times. For 13 animals rms amplitudes and implicit times were compared with the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test for recordings taken 11 months apart. Highly significant correlations between increases in body weights and decreases in cortical rms amplitudes were noted in 29 monkeys (p < 0.0005). No significant changes were found in the cortical rms amplitudes in thirteen monkeys over 11 months. Computed tomography showed a large increase of soft tissue thickness over the skull and striate cortex with increased body weight. The decreased amplitude in cortical evoked potentials with weight gain associated with aging can be explained by the increased distance between skin electrode and striate cortex due to soft tissue thickening (passive attenuation).

Using Virtual Human Technology to Examine Weight Bias and the Role of Patient Weight on Student Assessment of Pediatric Pain.

PubMed

Boyle, Shana L; Janicke, David M; Robinson, Michael E; Wandner, Laura D

2018-06-04

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of weight bias and demographic characteristics on the assessment of pediatric chronic pain. Weight status, race, and sex were manipulated in a series of virtual human (VH) digital images of children. Using a web-based platform, 96 undergraduate students with health care-related majors (e.g., Health Science, Nursing, Biology, and Pre-Medicine) read a clinical vignette and provided five ratings targeting the assessment of each VH child's pain. Students also answered a weight bias questionnaire. Group-based analyses were conducted to determine the influence of the VH child's weight and demographic cues, as well as greater weight bias on assessment ratings. Male and VH children with obesity were rated as more likely to avoid non-preferred activities due to pain compared to female and healthy weight children, respectively (both p < .001). The pain of VH children with obesity was rated as more likely to be influenced by psychological/behavioral issues compared to the pain of healthy weight VH children (p = .022). African American VH children were rated as experiencing significantly greater pain than Caucasian VH children (p = .037). As child weight increased, low weight bias participants felt more sympathy, while high weight bias participants felt less sympathy (p = .002). Also, low weight bias participants showed increased motivation to help, while high weight bias participants showed less motivation to help, as VH patient weight increased (p = .008). Child weight and evaluator weight bias may be influential in the assessment of pediatric pain. If supported by future research, results highlight the importance of training in evidence-based practice and education on weight bias for students majoring in health-care fields.

Body Weight Gain and Hyperphagia After Administration of SGLT-2 Inhibitor: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Hamamoto, Hiromi; Noda, Mitsuhiko

2015-01-01

Patient: Male, 44 Final Diagnosis: Type 2 diabetes Symptoms: Hunger • increased appetite Medication: GLP-1 receptor agonist • SGLT-2 inhibitor Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Internal Medicine/Diabetology Objective: Unusual or unexpected effect of treatment Background: A detailed description is given of a case we encountered in which unexpectedly marked weight gain occurred following a treatment switch from a GLP-1 receptor agonist to an SGLT-2 inhibitor. Case Report: The patient, a 44-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus, had gained about 10 kg in weight in the previous year. Therefore, metformin was replaced with liraglutide to obtain reduction of body weight. Although the patient lost about 8 kg (7%), during the 18-month period on the medication, the weight loss stabilized; therefore, the treatment was again switched to tofogliflozin to obtain further reduction of body weight. However, the patient reported increasing hunger and an exaggerated appetite from week 3 onward after the start of tofogliflozin, and gained about 9 kg in weight within 2 weeks, associated with a tendency towards increased HbA1c; therefore, tofogliflozin was discontinued. Immediate reinstitution of liraglutide resulted in reduction of the increased appetite, weight, and HbA1c level. Conclusions: Caution should be exercised against hyperphagia and weight gain due to hunger that may occur following discontinuation of a GLP-1 receptor agonist and/or initiation of an SGLT-2 inhibitor. PMID:26638727

Regeneration of paint sludge and reuse in cement concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Enqi; Sun, Jitao; Feng, Liming

2018-06-01

Paint Sludge (PS) is a hazardous waste. Inappropriate disposal of PS might be harmful to public health and the environment. Various size of Paint Sludge Solid Powder (PSSP) particles have been produced by automatic processing equipment via dewatering, crushing, screening removing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and etc. Meanwhile, the test results show that PSSP is not a hazardous waste. Both flexural and compressive strength are increased by adding PSSP of polyurethane to cement concrete at a level of below 10% of cement weight. However, the strength has a significant reduction at a level of above 15% of cement weight. The reason for the increase of strength is probably due to a slow coagulation and copolymerization of PSSP and cement. The reduction is likely due to the self-reunion of PSSP.

Meat Science and Muscle Biology Symposium: in utero nutrition related to fetal development, postnatal performance, and meat quality of pork.

PubMed

Oksbjerg, N; Nissen, P M; Therkildsen, M; Møller, H S; Larsen, L B; Andersen, M; Young, J F

2013-03-01

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) occurs naturally in pigs and leads to low birth weight of piglets due to undernutrition caused by placental insufficiency. For 2 main reasons, low birth weight causes economic loss. First, low birth weight pigs have a greater mortality and increasing the litter size causes more low birth weight piglets within litters. Second, surviving low birth weight piglets have reduced performance (i.e., ADG, feed conversion rate, and percentage meat). To develop dietary strategies for preventing IUGR, knowledge of the biological basis of IUGR is required. Muscle fiber number, formed during myogenesis, is correlated positively with performance traits and has been shown in several studies to be reduced in low birth weight pigs. Postnatal muscle hypertrophy is due to satellite cell number per fiber at birth and their rate of proliferation as well as protein deposition (i.e., protein synthesis and degradation). Previous studies and some recent ones indicate that low birth weight littermates in mice are born with fewer satellite cells and studies on pigs show that the rate of satellite cell proliferation may vary within litters. Proteomics studies show that protein synthesis and degradation is downregulated in IUGR pigs and low birth weight pigs also produce meat with less tenderness. Alternative maternal feeding strategies to prevent IUGR have been examined. Increasing maternal global nutrition had no beneficial effect on performance and muscle growth traits in several studies. Feeding excess maternal dietary protein also did not influence muscle growth traits whereas moderately decreased maternal dietary protein may decrease muscle fiber number and performance. On the other hand, addition of L-carnitine to the maternal gestation or lactation diet may increase birth and weaning weights or the muscle fiber number, respectively, in low birth weight pig offspring. Finally, promising data have been obtained on reproductive traits in pigs after addition of functional AA, such as arginine and glutamine, to the gestational diet. Although much is known about the biological basis of IUGR, we still need to learn much more about the mode of action before maternal dietary strategies can be developed to prevent IUGR.

Changes in skeletal muscle gene expression consequent to altered weight bearing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Booth, F. W.; Kirby, C. R.

1992-01-01

Skeletal muscle is a dynamic organ that adapts to alterations in weight bearing. This brief review examines changes in muscle gene expression resulting from the removal of weight bearing by hindlimb suspension and from increased weight bearing due to eccentric exercise. Acute (less than or equal to 2 days) non-weight bearing of adult rat soleus muscle alters only the translational control of muscle gene expression, while chronic (greater than or equal to 7 days) removal of weight bearing appears to influence pretranslational, translational, and posttranslational mechanisms of control. Acute and chronic eccentric exercise are associated with alterations of translational and posttranslational control, while chronic eccentric training also alters the pretranslational control of muscle gene expression. Thus alterations in weight bearing influence multiple sites of gene regulation.

Parameterization of In-Cloud Aerosol Scavenging Due To Atmospheric Ionization: 2. Effects of Varying Particle Density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Liang; Tinsley, Brian A.

2018-03-01

Simulations and parameterization of collision rate coefficients for aerosol particles with 3 μm radius droplets have been extended to a range of particle densities up to 2,000 kg m-3 for midtropospheric ( 5 km) conditions (540 hPa, -17°C). The increasing weight has no effect on collisions for particle radii less than 0.2 μm, but for greater radii the weight effect becomes significant and usually decreases the collision rate coefficient. When increasing size and density of particles make the fall speed of the particle relative to undisturbed air approach to that of the droplet, the effect of the particle falling away in the stagnation region ahead of the droplet becomes important, and the probability of frontside collisions can decrease to zero. Collisions on the rear side of the droplet can be enhanced as particle weight increases, and for this the weight effect tends to increase the rate coefficients. For charges on the droplet and for large particles with density ρ < 1,000 kg m-3 the predominant effect increases in rate coefficient due to the short-range attractive image electric force. With density ρ above about 1,000 kg m-3, the stagnation region prevents particles moving close to the droplet and reduces the effect of these short-range forces. Together with previous work, it is now possible to obtain collision rate coefficients for realistic combinations of droplet charge, particle charge, droplet radius, particle radius, particle density, and relative humidity in clouds. The parameterization allows rapid access to these values for use in cloud models.

Trends and racial differences in birth weight and related survival.

PubMed

Alexander, G R; Tompkins, M E; Allen, M C; Hulsey, T C

1999-06-01

In the past two decades, infant mortality rates in the United States declined in African-American and White populations. Despite this, racial disparities in infant mortality rates have increased and rates of low birth weight deliveries have shown little change. In this study, we examine temporal changes in birth weight distributions, birth weight specific neonatal mortality, and the birth weight threshold for an adverse risk of survival within both racial groups in order to explore the mechanisms for the disparities in infant mortality rates. Single live births born to South Carolina resident mothers between 1975 and 1994 and considered White or African-American based on the mother's report of maternal race on the birth certificate were selected for investigation. We define the birth weight threshold for adverse survival odds as the birth weight at which 50% or more of infants in the population died within the first month of life. Despite significant increases in very low birth weight percentages, neonatal mortality rates markedly declined. Birth weight specific neonatal mortality decreased for both races, although greater reductions accrued to White low birth weight infants. By the end of the study period, the birth weight at which over 50% of newborns died within the first month of life was 696 g for Whites and 673 g for African-Americans. The ongoing decline in neonatal mortality is mainly due to reductions in birth weight specific neonatal mortality, probably related to high-risk obstetric and neonatal care. Technological developments in these areas may have differentially benefited Whites, resulting in an increasing racial disparity in mortality rates. Moreover, the relatively greater and increasing mortality risk from postmaturity and macrosomia in infants of African-America mothers may further exacerbate the racial gap in infant mortality.

Quantifying population exposure to airborne particulate matter during extreme events in California due to climate change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmud, A.; Hixson, M.; Kleeman, M. J.

2012-08-01

The effect of climate change on population-weighted concentrations of particulate matter (PM) during extreme pollution events was studied using the Parallel Climate Model (PCM), the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and the UCD/CIT 3-D photochemical air quality model. A "business as usual" (B06.44) global emissions scenario was dynamically downscaled for the entire state of California between the years 2000-2006 and 2047-2053. Air quality simulations were carried out for 1008 days in each of the present-day and future climate conditions using year-2000 emissions. Population-weighted concentrations of PM0.1, PM2.5, and PM10 total mass, components species, and primary source contributions were calculated for California and three air basins: the Sacramento Valley air basin (SV), the San Joaquin Valley air basin (SJV) and the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB). Results over annual-average periods were contrasted with extreme events. The current study found that the change in annual-average population-weighted PM2.5 mass concentrations due to climate change between 2000 vs. 2050 within any major sub-region in California was not statistically significant. However, climate change did alter the annual-average composition of the airborne particles in the SoCAB, with notable reductions of elemental carbon (EC; -3%) and organic carbon (OC; -3%) due to increased annual-average wind speeds that diluted primary concentrations from gasoline combustion (-3%) and food cooking (-4%). In contrast, climate change caused significant increases in population-weighted PM2.5 mass concentrations in central California during extreme events. The maximum 24-h average PM2.5 concentration experienced by an average person during a ten-yr period in the SJV increased by 21% due to enhanced production of secondary particulate matter (manifested as NH4NO3). In general, climate change caused increased stagnation during future extreme pollution events, leading to higher exposure to diesel engines particles (+32%) and wood combustion particles (+14%) when averaging across the population of the entire state. Enhanced stagnation also isolated populations from distant sources such as shipping (-61%) during extreme events. The combination of these factors altered the statewide population-averaged composition of particles during extreme events, with EC increasing by 23 %, nitrate increasing by 58%, and sulfate decreasing by 46%.

Isolation of a thermophilic bacterium capable of low-molecular-weight polyethylene degradation.

PubMed

Jeon, Hyun Jeong; Kim, Mal Nam

2013-02-01

A thermophilic bacterium capable of low-molecular-weight polyethylene (LMWPE) degradation was isolated from a compost sample, and was identified as Chelatococcus sp. E1, through sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. LMWPE was prepared by thermal degradation of commercial PE in a strict nitrogen atmosphere. LMWPE with a weight-average-molecular-weight (Mw) in the range of 1,700-23,700 was noticeably mineralized into CO(2) by the bacterium. The biodegradability of LMWPE decreased as the Mw increased. The low molecular weight fraction of LMWPE decreased significantly as a result of the degradation process, and thereby both the number-average-molecular-weight and Mw increased after biodegradation. The polydispersity of LMWPE was either narrowed or widened, depending on the initial Mw of LMWPE, due to the preferential elimination of the low molecular weight fraction, in comparison to the high molecular weight portion. LMWPE free from an extremely low molecular weight fraction was also mineralized by the strain at a remarkable rate, and FTIR peaks assignable to C-O stretching appeared as a result of microbial action. The FTIR peaks corresponding to alkenes also became more intense, indicating that dehydrogenations occurred concomitantly with microbial induced oxidation.

Weight fluctuations could increase blood pressure in android obese women.

PubMed

Guagnano, M T; Pace-Palitti, V; Carrabs, C; Merlitti, D; Sensi, S

1999-06-01

Recent studies have documented a relationship between increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases and a history of weight cycling (WC) in obese subjects. We performed a cross-sectional analysis in 96 weight-cycling android obese women, matched with 96 non-weight-cycling android obese women by age, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), to evaluate any increase in blood pressure (BP) levels in association with WC. The patients were all between 20 and 45 years old, were non-menopausal, did not smoke, did not take any medication, had normal glucose tolerance and were otherwise healthy. A history of WC was established on the basis of at least five weight losses in the previous 5 years due to dieting, with a weight loss of at least 4.5 kg per cycle. We documented higher levels of casual BP in the weight-cycling obese compared with the non-weight-cycling subjects: 147+/-12/90+/-8 mmHg versus 125+/-14/79+/-8 mmHg (P<0.001). The women with WC showed a statistically significant positive correlation between BP and age, weight, BMI, waist circumference, WHR, total weight regained and weight cycling index (WCI). However, in a multiple regression model only the WHR and WCI contributed significantly to the BP variability. These findings could support the hypothesis that it is the combined exposure of central-type obesity and WC that strongly raises the prediction of hypertension.

Characteristics of lambs fed concentrates or grazed on ryegrass to traditional or heavy slaughter weights. II. Wholesale cuts and tissue accretion.

PubMed

Borton, R J; Loerch, S C; McClure, K E; Wulf, D M

2005-06-01

Targhee x Hampshire lambs (average BW 24 +/- 1 kg) were used to determine the effect of finishing on concentrate or by grazing ryegrass forage on slaughter weights of 52 kg (N) or 77 kg (H) on tissue accretion and lamb wholesale cutout. When fed to similar slaughter weights, the wholesale cuts of concentrate-fed lambs were heavier (P < 0.05) than the same cuts from forage-fed lambs; however, when expressed as a percentage of side weight, carcasses of forage-fed lambs had a higher (P < 0.001) percentage of leg than concentrate-fed lambs. Increasing slaughter weight from 52 to 77 kg resulted in a 1-kg increase in loin weight for lambs finished on concentrate and a 0.60-kg increase for lambs finished on forage (diet x slaughter weight, P < 0.03); however, the increased loin weight for lambs finished on concentrate was due largely to increased fat deposition. For lambs slaughtered at 77 kg, those finished on forage had more lean mass in the leg, loin, rack, and shoulder than those finished on concentrate, but lean mass in these cuts did not differ between diets for lambs slaughtered at 52 kg (diet x slaughter weight, P < 0.01). At the normal slaughter weight (52 kg), concentrate-fed lambs had 50% more dissectible fat than forage-fed lambs, whereas at the heavy slaughter weight, a 79% greater amount of dissectible fat was observed for concentrate- vs. forage-fed lambs (diet x slaughter weight, P < 0.001). Lean and fat accretion rates were higher (P < 0.001) for concentrate-fed lambs than for forage-fed lambs. The lean-to-fat ratio of forage-fed lambs was higher (P < 0.001) than that of concentrate-fed lambs; however, forage finishing decreased accretion rates of all tissues compared with concentrate feeding, and these differences between forage and concentrate feeding were magnified at heavier slaughter weights.

Weight distributions for turbo codes using random and nonrandom permutations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dolinar, S.; Divsalar, D.

1995-01-01

This article takes a preliminary look at the weight distributions achievable for turbo codes using random, nonrandom, and semirandom permutations. Due to the recursiveness of the encoders, it is important to distinguish between self-terminating and non-self-terminating input sequences. The non-self-terminating sequences have little effect on decoder performance, because they accumulate high encoded weight until they are artificially terminated at the end of the block. From probabilistic arguments based on selecting the permutations randomly, it is concluded that the self-terminating weight-2 data sequences are the most important consideration in the design of constituent codes; higher-weight self-terminating sequences have successively decreasing importance. Also, increasing the number of codes and, correspondingly, the number of permutations makes it more and more likely that the bad input sequences will be broken up by one or more of the permuters. It is possible to design nonrandom permutations that ensure that the minimum distance due to weight-2 input sequences grows roughly as the square root of (2N), where N is the block length. However, these nonrandom permutations amplify the bad effects of higher-weight inputs, and as a result they are inferior in performance to randomly selected permutations. But there are 'semirandom' permutations that perform nearly as well as the designed nonrandom permutations with respect to weight-2 input sequences and are not as susceptible to being foiled by higher-weight inputs.

Learning to assign binary weights to binary descriptor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Zhoudi; Wei, Zhenzhong; Zhang, Guangjun

2016-10-01

Constructing robust binary local feature descriptors are receiving increasing interest due to their binary nature, which can enable fast processing while requiring significantly less memory than their floating-point competitors. To bridge the performance gap between the binary and floating-point descriptors without increasing the computational cost of computing and matching, optimal binary weights are learning to assign to binary descriptor for considering each bit might contribute differently to the distinctiveness and robustness. Technically, a large-scale regularized optimization method is applied to learn float weights for each bit of the binary descriptor. Furthermore, binary approximation for the float weights is performed by utilizing an efficient alternatively greedy strategy, which can significantly improve the discriminative power while preserve fast matching advantage. Extensive experimental results on two challenging datasets (Brown dataset and Oxford dataset) demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method.

Influence of amount of oxidizing slag discharged from stainless steelmaking process of electric arc furnace on elution behavior into fresh water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokoyama, S.; Shimomura, T.; Hisyamudin, M. N. N.; Takahashi, T.; Izaki, M.

2012-03-01

Fundamental study was carried out for provision for acidification of soil due to acid rain. The influence of weight of the additive slag on elution behavior of the slag into water was studied in this study. Elution experiment was carried out on a basis of JIS K 0058-1. Generally, the pH in the aqueous solution increased with an increase in weight of the additive slag. The pH converged to approximately eight. Calcium, magnesium and manganese, which were essential elements for plants, were eluted from the slag irrespective to elution condition. The eluted concentrations of Ca and Mg increased with an increase in weight of the additive slag. Silicon and zinc were also eluted depending on the conditions. Aluminum that was harmful for plants was not eluted from the used slag.

Hybrid optoelectronic neural networks using a mutually pumped phase-conjugate mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunning, G. J.; Owechko, Y.; Soffer, B. H.

1991-06-01

A method is described for interconnecting hybrid optoelectronic neural networks by using a mutually pumped phase conjugate mirror (MP-PCM). In this method, cross talk due to Bragg degeneracies is greatly reduced by storing each weight among many spatially and angularly multiplexed gratings. The effective weight throughput is increased by the parallel updating of weights using outer-product learning. Experiments demonstrated a high degree of interconnectivity between adjacent pixels. A diagram is presented showing the architecture for the optoelectronic neural network using an MP-PCM.

Gender differences in normal left ventricle of adult FVB/N mice due to variation in interleukins and natriuretic peptides expression levels.

PubMed

Haroon, Javeria; Foureaux, Giselle; Martins, Almir S; Ferreira, Anderson J; Reis, Adelina M; Javed, Qamar

2015-01-01

This study examined the sex differences for physical, morphological, histological, mRNA, and protein expression levels changes for interleukins and natriuretic peptides in left ventricle (LV) of two groups of adult FVB/N mice; males (WM) and females (WF). LV morphological, histological, reverse transcription and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR), and immunohistochemical (IHC) alterations were determined in FVB/N mice at 34-35 weeks on gender basis. Confirming the gender dimorphism, FVB/N males (WM) illustrated a significant reduction in ANP and IL1-A levels as well as significantly increased body weight (BW (gm)), tibia length (TL (mm)), heart weight (HW (mg)), heart weight-to-body weight (HW/BW (mg/gm)) ratio, heart weight-to-tibia length (HW/TL (mg/mm)) ratio, left ventricle weight (LV (mg)), left ventricle-to-body weight (LV/BW (mg/gm)) ratio, and left ventricle-to-tibia length (LV/TL (mg/mm)) ratio, left ventricular (LV) cardiomyocyte diameter, high BNP, NPRA, IL-1B, and IL1R1 expression in comparison with FVB/N females (WF). Gender differences in relation to left ventricle (LV) may be due to differences in the interleukins and natriuretic peptides levels as an outcome of sex related hormones. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Metabolic vs. hedonic obesity: a conceptual distinction and its clinical implications

PubMed Central

Zhang, Y.; Mechanick, J. I.; Korner, J.; Peterli, R.

2015-01-01

Summary Body weight is determined via both metabolic and hedonic mechanisms. Metabolic regulation of body weight centres around the ‘body weight set point’, which is programmed by energy balance circuitry in the hypothalamus and other specific brain regions. The metabolic body weight set point has a genetic basis, but exposure to an obesogenic environment may elicit allostatic responses and upward drift of the set point, leading to a higher maintained body weight. However, an elevated steady‐state body weight may also be achieved without an alteration of the metabolic set point, via sustained hedonic over‐eating, which is governed by the reward system of the brain and can override homeostatic metabolic signals. While hedonic signals are potent influences in determining food intake, metabolic regulation involves the active control of both food intake and energy expenditure. When overweight is due to elevation of the metabolic set point (‘metabolic obesity’), energy expenditure theoretically falls onto the standard energy–mass regression line. In contrast, when a steady‐state weight is above the metabolic set point due to hedonic over‐eating (‘hedonic obesity’), a persistent compensatory increase in energy expenditure per unit metabolic mass may be demonstrable. Recognition of the two types of obesity may lead to more effective treatment and prevention of obesity. PMID:25588316

Effect of processing parameters and pore structure of nanostructured silica aerogel on the physical properties of aerogel blankets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Latifi, Fatemeh; Talebi, Zahra; Khalili, Haleh; Zarrebini, Mohammad

2018-05-01

This work investigates the influence of processing parameters and aerogel pore structure on the physical properties and hydrophobicity of aerogel blankets. Aerogel blankets were produced by in situ synthesis of nanostructured silica aerogel on a polyester nonwoven substrate. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, contact angle test and FE-SEM images were used to characterize both the aerogel particles and the blankets. The results showed that the weight and thickness of the blanket were reduced when the low amount of catalyst was used. A decrease in the aerogel pore size from 22 to 11 nm increased the weight and thickness of the blankets. The xerogel particles with high density and pore size of 5 nm reduced the blanket weight. Also, the blanket weight and thickness were increased due to increasing the sol volume. It was found that the hydrophobicity of aerogel blankets is not influenced by sol volume and pore structure of silica aerogel.

Phenotypic Dichotomy Following Developmental Exposure to ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The synthetic surfactant, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a proven developmental toxicant in mice, causing prenatal pregnancy loss, increased neonatal mortality, delayed eye opening, and abnormal mammary gland growth in animals exposed during fetal life. PFOA is found in the sera of wildlife and humans throughout the world, but is especially high in the sera of children. These studies in CD-1 mice aim to determine the latent health effects of PFOA following an in utero exposure, a developmental exposure followed by ovariectomy (ovx), or exposure as an adult. Mice were exposed to 0, 0.01, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, or 5 mg PFOA/kg BW for 17 days of pregnancy or as an adult. Body weight was reduced in the highest doses on postnatal day (PND) 1 and at weaning. However, the lowest exposures (0.01-0.3 mg/kg) induced excessive weight gain between 20-40 weeks, as well as a significant increase in serum leptin (0.01-0.1 mg/kg). Although body weight was significantly increased due to ovx, there was no longer a body weight effect of PFOA in ovx animals. Further, there was no effect of adult exposure to PFOA on body weight gain. At 18 months of age, the effects of PFOA on body weight were no longer detected. The white adipose tissue and spleen weights were decreased at high doses of PFOA in intact developmentally exposed mice, and spleen weight was reduced in ovx mice. But, brown adipose tissue weight was significantly increased in both ovx and intact mice at high doses. Liver weigh

Beliefs and practices of First Nation women about weight gain during pregnancy and lactation: implications for women's health.

PubMed

Vallianatos, Helen; Brennand, Erin A; Raine, Kim; Stephen, Queenie; Petawabano, Beatrice; Dannenbaum, David; Willows, Noreen D

2006-03-01

Many Cree women in northern Quebec experience excessive weight gain during pregnancy and retain the weight between pregnancies. This contributes to poor maternal-fetal outcomes and increased rates of obesity-related health problems. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore (a) Cree women's perceptions of weight gain in pregnancy and weight loss following pregnancy, (b) the barriers that women face in maintaining a healthy body weight, and (c) the sociocultural context of health. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 women who had given birth within the preceding 12 months. Many women spoke of the negative health consequences of excessive weight gain, yet they found it difficult to lose weight due to individual constraints such as lack of time, cultural beliefs about diet while breastfeeding, and community constraints including lack of child care and lack of community programs for mothers.

Skeletal muscle metabolism in hypokinetic rats

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tischler, M. E.

1984-01-01

Muscle growth, protein metabolism, and amino acid metabolism were studied in various groups of rats. Certain groups were adrenaliectomized; some rats were suspended while others (the controls) were weight bearing. Results show that: (1) metabolic changes in the extensor digitorum longus muscle of suspended rats are due primarily to increased circulating glucocorticoids; (2) metabolic changes in the soleus muscle due to higher steroid levels are probably potentiated by greater numbers of steroid receptors; and (3) not all metabolic responses of the soleus muscle to unloading are due to the elevated levels of glucocorticoids or the increased sensitivity of this muscle to these hormones.

Sweet taste of saccharin induces weight gain without increasing caloric intake, not related to insulin-resistance in Wistar rats.

PubMed

Foletto, Kelly Carraro; Melo Batista, Bruna Aparecida; Neves, Alice Magagnin; de Matos Feijó, Fernanda; Ballard, Cíntia Reis; Marques Ribeiro, Maria Flávia; Bertoluci, Marcello Casaccia

2016-01-01

In a previous study, we showed that saccharin can induce weight gain when compared with sucrose in Wistar rats despite similar total caloric intake. We now question whether it could be due to the sweet taste of saccharin per se. We also aimed to address if this weight gain is associated with insulin-resistance and to increases in gut peptides such as leptin and PYY in the fasting state. In a 14 week experiment, 16 male Wistar rats received either saccharin-sweetened yogurt or non-sweetened yogurt daily in addition to chow and water ad lib. We measured daily food intake and weight gain weekly. At the end of the experiment, we evaluated fasting leptin, glucose, insulin, PYY and determined insulin resistance through HOMA-IR. Cumulative weight gain and food intake were evaluated through linear mixed models. Results showed that saccharin induced greater weight gain when compared with non-sweetened control (p = 0.027) despite a similar total caloric intake. There were no differences in HOMA-IR, fasting leptin or PYY levels between groups. We conclude that saccharin sweet taste can induce mild weight gain in Wistar rats without increasing total caloric intake. This weight gain was not related with insulin-resistance nor changes in fasting leptin or PYY in Wistar rats. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ovine maternal nutrient restriction from mid to late gestation decreases heptic progesterone inactivating enzyme activity

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Previously we have shown increased concentrations of progesterone and decreased liver weight in mid to late pregnant ewes provided a nutrient restricted vs. adequate diet. This alteration in peripheral progesterone could be due to increased synthesis and/or decreased clearance of progesterone. There...

Effects on the reproductive system of young male rats of subcutaneous exposure to n-butylparaben.

PubMed

Garcia, Tania; Schreiber, Elga; Kumar, Vikas; Prasad, Raju; Sirvent, Juan J; Domingo, Jose L; Gómez, Mercedes

2017-08-01

This study was aimed at determining whether an in vivo subcutaneous exposure to n-butylparaben (n-ButP) during one complete spermatogenic cycle could be harmful to the reproductive system of young male rats. Animals were subcutaneously given 0, 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg/day of n-ButP with vehicle (peanut oil). Body and organ weights, n-ButP excretion, biochemical parameters, sperm and spermatid count, sperm motility, viability, maturity and morphology were examined. Results showed that after a completed spermatogenic cycle, although n-ButP did not induce dose-related changes in the different biochemical parameters, a significant decrease of triacylglicerides (TAG) -due to the vehicle-was found. Furthermore, no effects of n-ButP on body weight gain and relative organ weight changes were noted. Regarding sexual organs, prostate relative weight was significantly increased at the high dose of n-ButP. On the other hand, a significant increase of abnormal sperm morphology due to n-ButP exposure, accompanied by different alterations in sexual organs histopathology, was found. The current results indicate that subcutaneous exposure of n-ButP in young male rats induced toxic effects on the reproductive system, which could affect the capacity of fertilization of animals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inhibition of cisplatin-induced lipid catabolism and weight loss by ghrelin in male mice.

PubMed

Garcia, Jose M; Scherer, Thomas; Chen, Ji-an; Guillory, Bobby; Nassif, Anriada; Papusha, Victor; Smiechowska, Joanna; Asnicar, Mark; Buettner, Christoph; Smith, Roy G

2013-09-01

Cachexia, defined as an involuntary weight loss ≥ 5%, is a serious and dose-limiting side effect of chemotherapy that decreases survival in cancer patients. Alterations in lipid metabolism are thought to cause the lipodystrophy commonly associated with cachexia. Ghrelin has been proposed to ameliorate the alterations in lipid metabolism due to its orexigenic and anabolic properties. However, the mechanisms of action through which ghrelin could potentially ameliorate chemotherapy-associated cachexia have not been elucidated. The objectives of this study were to identify mechanisms by which the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin alters lipid metabolism and to establish the role of ghrelin in reversing cachexia. Cisplatin-induced weight and fat loss were prevented by ghrelin. Cisplatin increased markers of lipolysis in white adipose tissue (WAT) and of β-oxidation in liver and WAT and suppressed lipogenesis in liver, WAT, and muscle. Ghrelin prevented the imbalance between lipolysis, β-oxidation, and lipogenesis in WAT and muscle. Pair-feeding experiments demonstrated that the effects of cisplatin and ghrelin on lipogenesis, but not on lipolysis and β-oxidation, were due to a reduction in food intake. Thus, ghrelin prevents cisplatin-induced weight and fat loss by restoring adipose tissue functionality. An increase in caloric intake further enhances the anabolic effects of ghrelin.

Invariant models in the inversion of gravity and magnetic fields and their derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ialongo, Simone; Fedi, Maurizio; Florio, Giovanni

2014-11-01

In potential field inversion problems we usually solve underdetermined systems and realistic solutions may be obtained by introducing a depth-weighting function in the objective function. The choice of the exponent of such power-law is crucial. It was suggested to determine it from the field-decay due to a single source-block; alternatively it has been defined as the structural index of the investigated source distribution. In both cases, when k-order derivatives of the potential field are considered, the depth-weighting exponent has to be increased by k with respect that of the potential field itself, in order to obtain consistent source model distributions. We show instead that invariant and realistic source-distribution models are obtained using the same depth-weighting exponent for the magnetic field and for its k-order derivatives. A similar behavior also occurs in the gravity case. In practice we found that the depth weighting-exponent is invariant for a given source-model and equal to that of the corresponding magnetic field, in the magnetic case, and of the 1st derivative of the gravity field, in the gravity case. In the case of the regularized inverse problem, with depth-weighting and general constraints, the mathematical demonstration of such invariance is difficult, because of its non-linearity, and of its variable form, due to the different constraints used. However, tests performed on a variety of synthetic cases seem to confirm the invariance of the depth-weighting exponent. A final consideration regards the role of the regularization parameter; we show that the regularization can severely affect the depth to the source because the estimated depth tends to increase proportionally with the size of the regularization parameter. Hence, some care is needed in handling the combined effect of the regularization parameter and depth weighting.

Effects of genotype and slaughter weight on the meat quality of Criollo Cordobes and Anglonubian kids produced under extensive feeding conditions.

PubMed

Peña, F; Bonvillani, A; Freire, B; Juárez, M; Perea, J; Gómez, G

2009-11-01

Physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics of meat (longissimus muscle) from Criollo Cordobes (CC) and Anglonubian (AN) suckling kids were analysed to determine the effects of genotype and slaughter weight. Forty suckling entire male kids, 20 CC and 20 AN were assigned to two age/slaughter weight groups (I: 60+2days old and ⩽11kg, and II: 90+2days old and >11kg). Colour, shear force and cholesterol levels of meat were affected by breed. Tenderness decreased and cholesterol increased with age/slaughter weight. Fatty acid profiles were affected primarily by genotype. The sensory attributes were perceived as medium-high intensity, and meat from CC and AN goat kids was valued as tender. However, initial tenderness and connective tissue varied with genotype. The main effect due to the increase in age/slaughter weight was a decrease in tenderness (initial and overall), as observed for instrumental shear force.

Perspectives on weight gain and lifestyle practices during pregnancy among women with a history of macrosomia: a qualitative study in the Republic of Ireland

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is a major risk factor for macrosomia (high birth weight delivery). This study aimed to explore views about weight gain and lifestyle practices during pregnancy among women with a history of macrosomia. Methods A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Twenty-one second-time mothers whose first infant was macrosomic (>4 kg) were recruited from a randomised trial in a large maternity hospital in the Republic of Ireland. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants at both 6 and 12 months after their second pregnancy. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify distinct themes. Results The mothers believed in following their prenatal food cravings to meet their baby’s needs, but this led some to eat excessively. Many of the women cut back heavily on physical activity during pregnancy due to perceived risks to the baby. Physical conditions and discomforts during pregnancy often limited maternal control over weight and lifestyle practices. The women were not particularly concerned about weight gain during pregnancy and most did not favour the notion of introducing weight gain guidelines into routine antenatal care. Common differences perceived by the women between their first and second pregnancy included: increased concern about weight gain in their second pregnancy due to prior difficulties with postpartum weight loss and increased time demands in their second pregnancy impeded healthy lifestyle practices. Most women did not alter their perspectives on weight gain and lifestyle practices in their second pregnancy in response to having a macrosomic infant in their first pregnancy. Conclusions This analysis exposed numerous barriers to healthy pregnancy weight gain. The findings suggest that women may need to be advised to follow their prenatal food cravings in moderation. Pregnant women with children already may benefit from education on time-efficient methods of integrating healthy eating practices and physical activity into their lifestyles. Women with a history of macrosomia may need information about the importance of avoiding high weight gain in subsequent pregnancies. PMID:24195741

Does aquatic exercise reduce hip and knee joint loading? In vivo load measurements with instrumented implants

PubMed Central

Kutzner, Ines; Dymke, Jörn; Damm, Philipp; Duda, Georg N.; Günzl, Reiner; Bergmann, Georg

2017-01-01

Aquatic exercises are widely used for rehabilitation or preventive therapies in order to enable mobilization and muscle strengthening while minimizing joint loading of the lower limb. The load reducing effect of water due to buoyancy is a main advantage compared to exercises on land. However, also drag forces have to be considered that act opposite to the relative motion of the body segments and require higher muscle activity. Due to these opposing effects on joint loading, the load-reducing effect during aquatic exercises remains unknown. The aim of this study was to quantify the joint loads during various aquatic exercises and to determine the load reducing effect of water. Instrumented knee and hip implants with telemetric data transfer were used to measure the resultant joint contact forces in 12 elderly subjects (6x hip, 6x knee) in vivo. Different dynamic, weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing activities were performed by the subjects on land and in chest-high water. Non-weight-bearing hip and knee flexion/extension was performed at different velocities and with additional Aquafins. Joint forces during aquatic exercises ranged between 32 and 396% body weight (BW). Highest forces occurred during dynamic activities, followed by weight-bearing and slow non-weight-bearing activities. Compared to the same activities on land, joint forces were reduced by 36–55% in water with absolute reductions being greater than 100%BW during weight-bearing and dynamic activities. During non-weight-bearing activities, high movement velocities and additional Aquafins increased the joint forces by up to 59% and resulted in joint forces of up to 301%BW. This study confirms the load reducing effect of water during weight-bearing and dynamic exercises. Nevertheless, high drag forces result in increased joint contact forces and indicate greater muscle activity. By the choice of activity, movement velocity and additional resistive devices joint forces can be modulated individually in the course of rehabilitation or preventive therapies. PMID:28319145

Does aquatic exercise reduce hip and knee joint loading? In vivo load measurements with instrumented implants.

PubMed

Kutzner, Ines; Richter, Anja; Gordt, Katharina; Dymke, Jörn; Damm, Philipp; Duda, Georg N; Günzl, Reiner; Bergmann, Georg

2017-01-01

Aquatic exercises are widely used for rehabilitation or preventive therapies in order to enable mobilization and muscle strengthening while minimizing joint loading of the lower limb. The load reducing effect of water due to buoyancy is a main advantage compared to exercises on land. However, also drag forces have to be considered that act opposite to the relative motion of the body segments and require higher muscle activity. Due to these opposing effects on joint loading, the load-reducing effect during aquatic exercises remains unknown. The aim of this study was to quantify the joint loads during various aquatic exercises and to determine the load reducing effect of water. Instrumented knee and hip implants with telemetric data transfer were used to measure the resultant joint contact forces in 12 elderly subjects (6x hip, 6x knee) in vivo. Different dynamic, weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing activities were performed by the subjects on land and in chest-high water. Non-weight-bearing hip and knee flexion/extension was performed at different velocities and with additional Aquafins. Joint forces during aquatic exercises ranged between 32 and 396% body weight (BW). Highest forces occurred during dynamic activities, followed by weight-bearing and slow non-weight-bearing activities. Compared to the same activities on land, joint forces were reduced by 36-55% in water with absolute reductions being greater than 100%BW during weight-bearing and dynamic activities. During non-weight-bearing activities, high movement velocities and additional Aquafins increased the joint forces by up to 59% and resulted in joint forces of up to 301%BW. This study confirms the load reducing effect of water during weight-bearing and dynamic exercises. Nevertheless, high drag forces result in increased joint contact forces and indicate greater muscle activity. By the choice of activity, movement velocity and additional resistive devices joint forces can be modulated individually in the course of rehabilitation or preventive therapies.

Blood lead levels and bone turnover with weight reduction in women.

PubMed

Riedt, Claudia S; Buckley, Brian T; Brolin, Robert E; Ambia-Sobhan, Hasina; Rhoads, George G; Shapses, Sue A

2009-01-01

High bone turnover states are known to raise blood lead levels (BPb). Caloric restriction will increase bone turnover, yet it remains unknown if weight reduction increases BPb due to mobilization of skeletal stores. We measured whole blood Pb levels ((206)Pb) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in 73 women (age 24-75 years; BMI 23- 61 kg/m(2)) before and after 6 months of severe weight loss (S-WL), moderate weight loss (M-WL), or weight maintenance (WM). Baseline BPb levels were relatively low at 0.2-6.0 microg/dl, and directly associated with age (r=0.49, P<0.0001). After severe WL (-37.4+/-9.3 kg, n=17), BPb increased by 2.1+/-3.9 microg/dl (P<0.05), resulting in BPb levels of 1.3-12.5 microg/dl. M-WL (-5.6+/-2.7 kg, n=39) and WM (0.3+/-1.3 kg, n=17) did not result in an increase in BPb levels (0.5+/-3.2 and 0.0+/-0.7 microg/dl, M-WL and WM, respectively). BPb levels increased more with greater WL (r=0.24, P<0.05). Bone turnover markers increased only with severe WL and were directly correlated with WL. At baseline, higher calcium intake was associated with lower BPb (r=-0.273, P<0.02), however, this association was no longer present after 6 months. Severe weight reduction in obese women increases skeletal bone mobilization and BPb, but values remain well below levels defined as Pb overexposure.

Trauma of lung due to impact load.

PubMed

Yen, R T; Fung, Y C; Liu, S Q

1988-01-01

A quantitative evaluation of lung injury due to impact loading is of general interest. Hemorrhage and edema are the usual sequelae to traumatic pulmonary impact. To gain some quantitative understanding of the phenomena, we perfused excised rabbit lung with Macrodex at isogravimetric condition and monitored lung weight continuously after impact. It is shown that a factor of importance is the rigidity of the surface on which the lung rests. The rate of lung weight increase is smaller if the lung was 'freely' supported on a soft cloth, more if it was supported on a rigid plate. This suggests the influence of stress wave reflection. The critical condition correlates with the initial velocity of impact at the surface of the lung, or with the maximum deflection. For a freely supported lung, the rate of lung weight increase was 22% of the initial total lung weight per h after impact when the impact velocity was 11.5 ms-1, 30% when the velocity was 13.2 ms-1, several 100% at 13.5 ms-1, signaling massive lung injury. Since the velocity of sound in rabbit lung is 33.3 ms-1 when the inflation (transpulmonary) pressure is 10 cm H2O, the critical velocity of 13.5 ms-1 corresponds to a Mach number of 0.4. The maximum surface displacement of the lung is almost linearly proportional to the initial velocity of impact. The exact cause of edema and hemorrhage is unknown; we hypothesize that it is due to tensile stress in the alveolar wall caused by the impact.

Clonazepam release from bioerodible hydrogels based on semi-interpenetrating polymer networks composed of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and poly(ethylene glycol) macromer.

PubMed

Cho, C S; Han, S Y; Ha, J H; Kim, S H; Lim, D Y

1999-04-30

Poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) macromers terminated with acrylate groups and semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPNs) composed of poly(epsilon-caprolactone)(PCL) and PEG macromer were synthesized to obtain a bioerodible hydrogel. Polymerization of PEG macromer resulted in the formation of cross-linked gels due to the multifunctionality of macromer. Glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) of PEG networks and PCL in the SIPNs were inner-shifted, indicating an interpenetration of PCL and PEG chains. Water content in the SIPNs increased with increasing PEG weight fraction due to the hydrophilicity of PEG. The amount of clonazepam (CNZ) released from the SIPNs increased with higher content in the SIPNs, lower drug loading, lower concentration of PEG macromer during the SIPNs preparation, and higher molecular weight of PEG. In particular, a combination with low PEG content and low CNZ solubility in water led to long-term constant release from these matrices in vitro and in vivo. Copyright.

The effect of middle-age body weight and physical activity on the risk of early revision hip arthroplasty: a cohort study of 1,535 individuals.

PubMed

Flugsrud, Gunnar B; Nordsletten, Lars; Espehaug, Birgitte; Havelin, Leif I; Meyer, Haakon E

2007-02-01

Overweight and a high level of physical activity are known risk factors for loosening of a total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to primary osteoarthritis. We wanted to investigate how these factors, together with age and sex, affect the risk of revision surgery. We matched data from the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register with information on risk factors collected at a cardiovascular screening. We identified 1,535 primary THAs in the screened cohort (930 cemented implants using well-documented cement). Of the participants included, 969 were female. Mean age at screening was 49 years, at primary THA 63 years, and 69 years at the end of follow-up. We used Cox regression analysis to estimate relative risks (RRs). Event was defined as implant revision due to aseptic loosening of cup, stem or both. Follow-up was time from primary THA to event or censoring. Men were at greater risk than women of loosening of the femoral stem (RR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3-3.2). Both men and women with upper-quartile body weight were at increased risk of revision due to loosening of the stem (RR 2.5 and 2.7, respectively). Men with a high level of physical activity during leisure time were at increased risk of revision due to loosening of the cup (RR 4.8, 95% CI 1.3-18). In the multivariate model with adjustment for activity, there was little association between age at primary THA and risk of revision due to loosening. We found that body weight and physical activity recorded long before THA affected the survival of total hip arthroplasties. Controlling for these variables weakened the association between age at primary surgery and aseptic loosening. Men had an increased risk of loosening of the femoral stem, also after controlling for lifestyle factors.

Static and dynamic cyclic oxidation of 12 nickel-, cobalt-, and iron-base high-temperature alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barrett, C. A.; Johnston, J. R.; Sanders, W. A.

1978-01-01

Twelve typical high-temperature nickel-, cobalt-, and iron-base alloys were tested by 1 hr cyclic exposures at 1038, 1093, and 1149 C and 0.05 hr exposures at 1093 C. The alloys were tested in both a dynamic burner rig at Mach 0.3 gas flow and in static air furnace for times up to 100 hr. The alloys were evaluated in terms of specific weight loss as a function of time, and X-ray diffraction analysis and metallographic examination of the posttest specimens. A method previously developed was used to estimate specific metal weight loss from the specific weight change of the sample. The alloys were then ranked on this basis. The burner-rig test was more severe than a comparable furnace test and resulted in an increased tendency for oxide spalling due to volatility of Cr in the protective scale and the more drastic cooling due to the air-blast quench of the samples. Increased cycle frequency also increased the tendency to spall for a given test exposure. The behavior of the alloys in both types of tests was related to their composition and their tendency to form scales. The alloys with the best overall behavior formed alpha-Al2O3 aluminate spinels.

No effect of weight cycling on the post-career BMI of weight class elite athletes

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Repetitions of pre-competition weight-loss diets done by athletes participating in weight class sports can be regarded as periods of weight cycling. The aim of the present study is to identify the long term post-career (22 years) evolutionary profile of athletes’ BMI after such weight cycling. Methods One hundred and thirty-six retired French athletes who participated in major international competitions in weight class sports (rowers, wrestlers, boxers, and judokas) were included. Former and current body mass, height, dietary characteristics during the career (annual frequency, amount of weight lost), current physical activity, and answers on the eating-attitude test were collected by phone interview (consistency was tested by comparison with measured weight). We performed ANOVA tests for comparison between groups (sport, dieting), post-hoc tests (Bonferroni test) to identify differences within groups. BMI’s changes were treated using a mixed model. Results The recorded weight changes did not depend upon time since retirement. Between 18 y and 50 y, athletes’ BMI increased by 3.2 kg/m2 compared to the 4.2 kg/m2 increase in the general population. This increase was independent of the number of diets during the career. Retired athletes declared a mean weekly physical activity of 4.8 h ± 4.3. The eating-attitude test showed low scores for all sports without any correlation to diet characteristics. Conclusion Weight cycling during an athletic career does not induce a massive weight gain after retirement, probably due to the high level of physical activity still practiced after retirement by these athletes. PMID:23711106

[The use of the T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo sequence in studying the neurocranium. A comparison with the conventional T2-weighted spin-echo sequence].

PubMed

Siewert, C; Hosten, N; Felix, R

1994-07-01

T2-weighted spin-echo imaging is the standard screening procedure in MR imaging of the neurocranium. We evaluated fast spin-echo T2-weighted imaging (TT2) of the neurocranium in comparison to conventional spin-echo T2-weighted imaging (T2). Signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratio of normal brain tissues (basal ganglia, grey and white matter, CSF fluid) and different pathologies were calculated. Signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio were significantly higher in TT2 than in T2 (with the exception of gray-to-white matter contrast). Tissues with increased content of water protons (mobile protons) showed the highest contrast to surrounding tissues. The increased signal intensity of fat must be given due attention in fatty lesions. Because the contrast-to-noise ratio between white matter and basal ganglia is less in TT2, Parkinson patients have to be examined by conventional T2. If these limitations are taken into account, fast spin-echo T2-weighted imaging is well appropriate for MR imaging of the neurocranium, resulting in heavy T2-weighting achieved in a short acquisition time.

Special Rations for Long Range Reconnaissance Troops

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-03-01

increased total serum protein would point towards a hypohydration due to the strenuous exercises and the hypocaloric diet . This idea is supported by...is 5.2 and 2.9%, respectively, of the initial body weight. In the control group this weight loss was not caused by a hypocaloric supply but by a...statistically significant this may be explained as an effect of the hypocaloric nutrition which, in the second period, was pronounced in both groups

A case of acute myocardial infarction due to the use of cayenne pepper pills.

PubMed

Sayin, Muhammet Rasit; Karabag, Turgut; Dogan, Sait Mesut; Akpinar, Ibrahim; Aydin, Mustafa

2012-04-01

The use of weight loss pills containing cayenne pepper has ever been increasing. The main component of cayenne pepper pills is capsaicin. There are conflicting data about the effects of capsaicin on the cardiovascular system. In this paper, we present the case of a 41 year old male patient with no cardiovascular risk factors who took cayenne pepper pills to lose weight and developed acute myocardial infarction.

The effect of in-service aerospace contaminants on X-band dielectric properties of a bismaleimide/quartz composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez, Luis A.; García, Carla; Grace, Landon R.

2015-05-01

The impact of three common aerospace in-service liquid contaminants on the X-band dielectric properties of a polymer composite radar protecting structure (radome) is investigated and quantified. The dielectric properties of the composite laminate are critical to radar transparency, and thus performance, of the radome structure. Further, polymer composites are highly susceptible to absorption of liquids. As such, the effect of common aerospace contaminants on the dielectric properties of composite laminates is crucial. Measurement of relative permittivity and loss tangent via a split-post dielectric resonant technique at 10 GHz is used to determine the effect of water, deicing fluid, and propylene glycol absorption in a three-ply quartz-reinforced bismaleimide laminate. Additionally, fluid uptake kinetics are investigated as a function of liquid type. An approximately linear relationship between fluid content and relative permittivity is observed for all three contaminant types. A 1% increase in contaminant content by weight results in a 7.8%, 4.5%, and 2.5% increase in relative permittivity of the material due to water, deicing fluid, and propylene glycol, respectively. A more significant impact is seen in material loss tangent, where a 1% increase in contaminant content by weight is responsible for a 378.5%, 593.0%, and 441.5% increase in loss tangent due to the aforementioned fluids, respectively. A fluid uptake weight content of 1.31%, 3.41%, and 4.28% is achieved for water, deicing fluid, and propylene glycol respectively, at approximately 1300 hours exposure. Based on the reported observations, the dielectric property degradation of composite laminates due to these commonly used fluids is of significant concern for in-service aircraft radar systems routinely exposed to these contaminants.

Women's work. Maintaining a healthy body weight.

PubMed

Welch, Nicky; Hunter, Wendy; Butera, Karina; Willis, Karen; Cleland, Verity; Crawford, David; Ball, Kylie

2009-08-01

This study describes women's perceptions of the supports and barriers to maintaining a healthy weight among currently healthy weight women from urban and rural socio-economically disadvantaged areas. Using focus groups and interviews, we asked women about their experiences of maintaining a healthy weight. Overwhelmingly, women described their healthy weight practices in terms of concepts related to work and management. The theme of 'managing health' comprised issues of managing multiple responsibilities, time, and emotions associated with healthy practices. Rural women faced particular difficulties in accessing supports at a practical level (for example, lack of childcare) and due to the gendered roles they enacted in caring for others. Family background (in particular, mothers' attitudes to food and weight) also appeared to influence perceptions about healthy weight maintenance. In the context of global increases in the prevalence of obesity, the value of initiatives aimed at supporting healthy weight women to maintain their weight should not be under-estimated. Such initiatives need to work within the social and personal constraints that women face in maintaining good health.

Effect of Television on Obesity and Excess of Weight and Consequences of Health.

PubMed

Rosiek, Anna; Maciejewska, Natalia Frąckowiak; Leksowski, Krzysztof; Rosiek-Kryszewska, Aleksandra; Leksowski, Łukasz

2015-08-12

The epidemic nature of obesity in industrialized countries is a serious health and social concern. The number of obese people has significantly increased in the past 20 years. In Poland excess weight and obesity are a serious epidemiological concern. In terms of the number of overweight people, Poland is a leader in Europe. Therefore, indicating many serious health concerns that are the natural consequences of this phenomenon has become important from the point of view of public health. This work identifies numerous diseases which are a direct consequence of obesity due to bad eating habits and lack of physical exercise among Poles. It discusses the negative effect of television and food commercials contributing to an increase in obesity, not only among adults but also among children. This is an overview forming grounds for further studies into ways of preventing the development of diseases due to obesity, both in Poland and in the world.

Pyrolysis and oxy-fuel combustion characteristics and kinetics of petrochemical wastewater sludge using thermogravimetric analysis.

PubMed

Chen, Jianbiao; Mu, Lin; Cai, Jingcheng; Yao, Pikai; Song, Xigeng; Yin, Hongchao; Li, Aimin

2015-12-01

The pyrolysis and oxy-fuel combustion characteristics of petrochemical wastewater sludge (PS) were studied in air (O2/N2) and oxy-fuel (O2/CO2) atmospheres using non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Pyrolysis experiments showed that the weight loss profiles were almost similar up to 1050K in both N2 and CO2 atmospheres, while further weight loss took place in CO2 atmosphere at higher temperatures due to char-CO2 gasification. Compared with 20%O2/80%N2, the drying and devolatilization stage of PS were delayed in 20%O2/80%CO2 due to the differences in properties of the diluting gases. In oxy-fuel combustion experiments, with O2 concentration increasing, characteristic temperatures decreased, while characteristic combustion rates and combustion performance indexes increased. Kinetic analysis of PS decomposition under various atmospheres was performed using Coats-Redfern approach. The results indicated that, with O2 concentration increasing, the activation energies of Step 1 almost kept constant, while the values of subsequent three steps increased. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

T2-weighted high-intensity signals in the basal ganglia as an interesting image finding in Unverricht-Lundborg disease.

PubMed

Korja, Miikka; Ferlazzo, Edoardo; Soilu-Hänninen, Merja; Magaudda, Adriana; Marttila, Reijo; Genton, Pierre; Parkkola, Riitta

2010-01-01

We conducted a search for white matter changes (WMCs) in 13 Unverricht-Lundborg disease patients and compared the prevalence of WMCs in these patients to age-matched long-term epileptics and healthy controls. ULD patients had significantly more T2-weighted high-intensity signals on MRI than control subjects, due to the increased prevalence of these signals in the basal ganglia. Interestingly, ULD patients with the basal ganglia changes were overweight. Basal ganglia T2-weighted high-intensity signals are novel findings in ULD. 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation of Low Molecular Weight Heparin by Microwave Discharge Electrodeless Lamp/TiO2 Photo-Catalytic Reaction.

PubMed

Lee, Do-Jin; Kim, Byung Hoon; Kim, Sun-Jae; Kim, Jung-Sik; Lee, Heon; Jung, Sang-Chul

2015-01-01

An MDEL/TiO2 photo-catalyst hybrid system was applied, for the first time, for the production of low molecular weight heparin. The molecular weight of produed heparin decreased with increasing microwave intensity and treatment time. The abscission of the chemical bonds between the constituents of heparin by photo-catalytic reaction did not alter the characteristics of heparin. Formation of by-products due to side reaction was not observed. It is suggested that heparin was depolymerized by active oxygen radicals produced during the MDEL/TiO2 photo-chemical reaction.

Ecotoxicity of wastes in avoidance tests with Enchytraeus albidus, Enchytraeus crypticus and Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta).

PubMed

Kobeticová, Klára; Hofman, Jakub; Holoubek, Ivan

2010-04-01

Contact bioassays are important for testing the ecotoxicity of solid materials. However, survival and reproduction tests are often not practical due to their duration which may last for several weeks. Avoidance tests with soil invertebrates may offer an alternative or extension to the classic test batteries due to their short duration (days rather than weeks) and due to a sensitive sub-acute endpoint (behavior). (a) to evaluate the effects of three solid industrial wastes (incineration ash, contaminated wood chips and contaminated soil) on three Oligochaeta species (enchytraeids Enchytraeusalbidus, Enchytraeus crypticus and earthworm Eisenia fetida) in avoidance tests; (b) to compare the sensitivity among the species and to compare results of avoidance test to reproduction tests; (c) to elucidate if measuring the weight in the earthworm avoidance test could be reasonable additional endpoint. Avoidance mostly increased with the increasing percent of waste in the mixture showing a dose-response curve. E. fetida was the most sensitive species and E. crypticus the least one. An additional endpoint, (changes in weight after two-day exposure) was not found to be more sensitive than avoidance reaction, but it confirmed that earthworms staying in the highest concentrations of the waste mixture were affected showing apparent weight reduction. Our results indicate that avoidance tests with earthworms and enchytraeids are feasible for waste testing. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermal pretreatment of a high lignin SSF digester residue to increase its softening point

DOE PAGES

Howe, Daniel; Garcia-Perez, Manuel; Taasevigen, Danny; ...

2016-03-24

Residues high in lignin and ash generated from the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of corn stover were thermally pretreated in an inert (N 2) atmosphere to study the effect of time and temperature on their softening points. These residues are difficult to feed into gasifiers due to premature thermal degradation and formation of reactive liquids in the feed lines, leading to plugging. The untreated and treated residues were characterized by proximate and ultimate analysis, and then analyzed via TGA, DSC, 13C NMR, Py-GC–MS, CHNO/S, and TMA. Interpretation of the compositional analysis indicates that the weight loss observed during pretreatment ismore » mainly due to the thermal decomposition and volatilization of the hemicelluloses and amorphous cellulose fractions. Fixed carbon increases in the pretreated material, mostly due to a concentration effect rather than the formation of new extra poly-aromatic material. The optimal processing time and temperature to minimize the production of carbonyl groups in the pretreated samples was 300 °C at a time of 30 min. Results showed that the softening point of the material could be increased from 187 °C to 250 °C, and that under the experimental conditions studied, pretreatment temperature plays a more important role than time. The increase in softening point was mainly due to the formation of covalent bonds in the lignin structures and the removal of low molecular weight volatile intermediates.« less

Converting a C-130 Hercules into a Compound Helicopter: A Conceptual Design Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kottapalli, Anjaney P.; Harris, Franklin D.

2010-01-01

This study presents the performance and weight changes for a Compound C-130 as compared to the Baseline C-130H Hercules, using NDARC as the primary analysis tool. First, the C-130H was modeled within NDARC, from which performance at various conditions and a parametric weight statement were generated. Then, the C-130H NDARC file was modified to represent the Compound C-130, which was then put through the same performance analysis as the C-130H. A parametric weight statement was also calculated for the Compound C-130, which allowed for comparison to the C-130H. As part of the modeling of the Compound C-130, a Rotor Design Spreadsheet was created that would allow the direct calculation of the weight of the main rotors being added. Using composite materials led to considerable weight savings for both the rotor system and the hub weights. These weight savings are reflected in the NDARC Technology Factors which were determined to be 0.71 and 0.5 for the rotor blades and the hub/hinge system, respectively. Such Technology Factors suggest that using composites for other components could drastically lighten the Operating Empty Weight of the aircraft. The weight statements show the weights for each of the components on each aircraft. It is quite evident that the Compound C-130 has a higher Operating Empty Weight due to the addition of the two main rotors and a drive system to connect each engine group on the wing tips. Upon further analysis, the main weight driver is the drive system. While the main rotor/hub/hinge weight increase is to be expected, the weight increase due to the transmission drive and gear boxes are cause for concern. Unless a method can be found of reducing the weight of the drive system, the weight penalty makes the Compound a C-130 an inefficient aircraft in terms of payload/fuel capacity. Possible solutions are either off-loading some of the power requirements through the drive system or using composite materials in the construction of the drive system. The performance of the Compound C-130 versus the C-130H shows a clear need for more powerful engines than are currently present on the C-130H. This would also adversely affect the Operating Empty Weight since a larger power plant requires more weight. However, one advantage that the Compound C-130 presents is the ability to hover and operate at low speeds in Helicopter Mode. While the C-130H is unable to travel at speeds lower than its stall speed, the Compound C-130 is able to hover using the main rotors. Thus, the Compound C-130 is able to operate independent of runways, let alone the condition of the nearest runway. Ultimately, the Compound C-130 is an effective aircraft in theaters requiring VTOL aircraft due to geographical considerations in terms or performance. Unfortunately, the weight penalty associated with converting the C-130H to a Compound C-130 suggests that further work in the area of the drive systems is required.

Residential mobility and trajectories of adiposity among adolescents in urban and non-urban neighborhoods.

PubMed

Jones, Antwan

2015-04-01

Using data from the 1994-2008 National Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (Add Health), this research examines the relationship between residential mobility and weight gain over time among urban and non-urban young adults. It is theorized that changes in residence act as a barrier to achieving an active lifestyle, which would increase an individual's body mass index (BMI) over time. Relying on linear mixed-effects growth curve models, the results indicate that mobility is protective against weight gain over time after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. For young adults who are residentially stable in urban neighborhoods, increases in physical activity are associated with a linear decline in BMI. In non-urban areas where respondents are residentially mobile, body weight does not fluctuate as sedentary behavior increases. However, in those areas, weight increases as sedentary behavior increases for those who did not move. Overall, the results suggest that the effect of mobility on weight gain is partially due to the kind of health behaviors that one engages in as well as whether or not one lives in an urban area. Policies geared toward relocating residents (such as Moving to Opportunity), and neighborhood processes that can lead individuals to change residences (such as foreclosures or gentrification) may have adverse health effects depending on whether they are occurring in urban or non-urban areas.

Retinopathy of prematurity in Indonesia: Incidence and risk factors.

PubMed

Edy Siswanto, J; Sauer, Pieter Jj

2017-01-01

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vaso-proliferative disease of the eye, which mainly affects preterm newborn infants with an incompletely vascularized retina. The incidence of ROP has increased in industrialized countries due to the increased survival of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. ROP is also increasing in developing countries like Indonesia, where it is most likely due to the improved survival of ELBW infants. To ascertain the incidence of ROP and possible risk factors associated with the development of ROP in preterm infants in Indonesia. We reviewed the literature on the incidence and potential risk factors for the development of ROP in Indonesia, obtained data from three referral eye clinics and added data from our institution. The reported incidence of all stages of ROP in infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks ranged from 18-30%. One study showed that ROP also occurred at older gestational ages. Blindness due to ROP was seen in infants up to 35 weeks and with a birth weight of 2000 g. Retinopathy of prematurity is an important cause of ocular morbidity and blindness in Indonesia. The overall incidence of ROP in infants born below 32 weeks in Indonesia is higher than in developed countries, and it is seen in infants with older gestational ages. This might be due to a less strict monitoring during the use of oxygen in Indonesia compared to industrialized countries.

Maternal education, birth weight, and infant mortality in the United States.

PubMed

Gage, Timothy B; Fang, Fu; O'Neill, Erin; Dirienzo, Greg

2013-04-01

This research determines whether the observed decline in infant mortality with socioeconomic level, operationalized as maternal education (dichotomized as college or more, versus high school or less), is due to its "indirect" effect (operating through birth weight) and/or to its "direct" effect (independent of birth weight). The data used are the 2001 U.S. national African American, Mexican American, and European American birth cohorts by sex. The analysis explores the birth outcomes of infants undergoing normal and compromised fetal development separately by using covariate density defined mixture of logistic regressions (CDDmlr). Among normal births, mean birth weight increases significantly (by 27-108 g) with higher maternal education. Mortality declines significantly (by a factor of 0.40-0.96) through the direct effect of education. The indirect effect of education among normal births is small but significant in three cohorts. Furthermore, the indirect effect of maternal education tends to increase mortality despite improved birth weight. Among compromised births, education has small and inconsistent effects on birth weight and infant mortality. Overall, our results are consistent with the view that the decrease in infant death by socioeconomic level is not mediated by improved birth weight. Interventions targeting birth weight may not result in lower infant mortality.

Effect of different levels of rice bran processed by various techniques on performance of broiler chicks.

PubMed

Mujahid, A; Ul Haq, I; Asif, M; Hussain Gilani, A

2004-06-01

1. Rice bran processed by extrusion cooking, roasting or pelleting and treated with antioxidant was used in broiler starter and finisher diets at various concentrations up to 500 g/kg. 2. Extrusion cooking gave the best performance, followed by roasting, while non-significant differences were observed between raw and pelleted bran. 3. Increasing the amount of rice bran in broiler diets resulted in significantly negative effects on growth performance. Non-significant differences were observed in mortality and dressing percentage due to different processes and concentrations of rice bran in the diet. Organ weights were significantly higher on raw and pelleted rice bran as compared to extruded and roasted bran. Liver and heart weights significantly increased with increasing contents of rice bran above 200g/kg, while pancreas weight increased with an addition of rice bran. 4. Treating the rice bran with antioxidant up to 250ppm had non-significant effects on broiler performance.

Body height and weight of patients with childhood onset and adult onset thyrotoxicosis.

PubMed

Takamatsu, J; Kobe, N; Ito, M; Ohsawa, N

1999-03-01

The present study has compared body height and weight of thyrotoxic female patients of childhood onset and adult onset. The body height of 141 out of 143 (99%) adult-onset thyrotoxic patients was within the range of mean +/- 2SD for the age-matched general Japanese female population. On the other hand, in 42 patients with childhood-onset thyrotoxicosis, 6 (14%) had their height being greater than the mean + 2SD of general population, and 34 (81%) were taller than the mean value. In 86 patients with siblings, 42 (49%) were at least 2 cm taller than their sisters, and 26 (30%) were more than 2 cm shorter than their sisters. The body weight of 27 out of 42 (68%) patients younger than 20 years was not decreased but was even greater than the mean value for the age-matched general population. The results indicate that excessive thyroid hormone in vivo enhances body height in humans. The increased body weight in some young patients suggests that enhanced dietary intake due to increased appetite in hyperthyroidism has overcome the energy loss with increased metabolism.

Ozone and sulfur dioxide effects on tall fescue. II. Alteration of quality constituents. [Festuca arundinacea

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Flagler, R.B.; Youngner, V.B.

A greenhouse study was conducted to determine whether ozone (O/sub 3/) and sulfur dioxide (SO/sub 2/) might alter forage quality parameters of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. Alta). Plants were exposed weekly to four O/sub 3/ treatments, 0, 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30 ..mu..L L/sup -1/; with or without 0.10 ..mu..L L/sup -1/ SO/sub 2/, 6 h d/sup -1/ for 12 weeks. Ozone had a much greater impact on forage quality than did SO/sub 2/. Ozone increased protein content on a g kg/sup -1/ basis and decreased protein on a weight per plant basis. Ozone reduced crude fat, crude fiber, andmore » total nonstructural carbohydrate contents of the forage. Crude ash content increased due to O/sub 3/ exposure. On a weight per plant basis, O/sub 3/ decreased the forage concentration of Ca, Mg, and P. Ozone increased Ca concentration of herbage. Sulfur dioxide increased ash content of the forage. Phosphorus concentration and weight per plant of Mg and P were all reduced by SO/sub 2/ Significant pollutant interactions occurred for crude fiber, crude ash, total Mg, and total P contents of forage. While treatments resulted in some apparent increases in forage quality, these were at the expense of yield. The most adverse effects on forage quality were an increase in ash content which resulted from an interaction of SO/sub 2/ with O/sub 3/, and a reduction in soluble carbohydrate content of shoots due to O/sub 3/.« less

Weight fluctuation, mortality and vascular disease in Pima Indians.

PubMed

Hanson, R L; Jacobsson, L T; McCance, D R; Narayan, K M; Pettitt, D J; Bennett, P H; Knowler, W C

1996-05-01

To examine the relationship of weight fluctuation to mortality rates and incidence of vascular disease. A cohort of Pima Indians, 572 of whom had non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and 766 without diabetes. Individuals were invited biennially to research examinations. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the linear trend of weight with time for the first four examinations after age 20 years was used as an index of weight fluctuation. Subjects were followed from the fourth examination until death or until 31 December 1991. The mortality rate ratio (MRR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) for those with a high weight fluctuation index relative to those with a lower value were determined. The median duration of follow up was 9.3 (range 0.1-22.6) years. All cause mortality (n = 356); incidence of diabetic retinopathy (n = 145), diabetic nephropathy (n = 132) and electrocardiographic abnormalities (n = 82). There was no significant relationship between weight fluctuation and mortality for diabetic subjects (MRR = 1.0, 95% CI 0.8-1.3, p = 0.91). Nondiabetic subjects with a high weight fluctuation index had a higher mortality rate than those with a lower index (MRR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.1, p = 0.03); the association was stronger among men than among women. The excess mortality in the high weight fluctuation group was not due to cardiovascular diseases, but to noncardiovascular causes and the risk for alcohol-related death was particularly increased. Weight fluctuation was not associated with the incidence of diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy or electrocardiographic abnormalities. A high weight fluctuation index was associated with higher mortality rates in nondiabetic, but not in diabetic, Pima Indians. The excess mortality is largely due to noncardiovascular causes of death and may reflect lifestyle factors associated with weight fluctuation, rather than its metabolic effects.

Pharmacological glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase inhibition decreases food intake and adiposity and increases insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obesity

PubMed Central

Kuhajda, Francis P.; Tu, Yajun; Han, Wan Fang; Medghalchi, Susan M.; El Meskini, Rajaa; Landree, Leslie E.; Peterson, Jonathan M.; Daniels, Khadija; Wong, Kody; Wydysh, Edward A.; Townsend, Craig A.; Ronnett, Gabriele V.

2011-01-01

Storage of excess calories as triglycerides is central to obesity and its associated disorders. Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases (GPATs) catalyze the initial step in acylglyceride syntheses, including triglyceride synthesis. We utilized a novel small-molecule GPAT inhibitor, FSG67, to investigate metabolic consequences of systemic pharmacological GPAT inhibition in lean and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. FSG67 administered intraperitoneally decreased body weight and energy intake, without producing conditioned taste aversion. Daily FSG67 (5 mg/kg, 15.3 μmol/kg) produced gradual 12% weight loss in DIO mice beyond that due to transient 9- to 10-day hypophagia (6% weight loss in pair-fed controls). Continued FSG67 maintained the weight loss despite return to baseline energy intake. Weight was lost specifically from fat mass. Indirect calorimetry showed partial protection by FSG67 against decreased rates of oxygen consumption seen with hypophagia. Despite low respiratory exchange ratio due to a high-fat diet, FSG67-treated mice showed further decreased respiratory exchange ratio, beyond pair-fed controls, indicating enhanced fat oxidation. Chronic FSG67 increased glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in DIO mice. Chronic FSG67 decreased gene expression for lipogenic enzymes in white adipose tissue and liver and decreased lipid accumulation in white adipose, brown adipose, and liver tissues without signs of damage. RT-PCR showed decreased gene expression for orexigenic hypothalamic neuropeptides AgRP or NPY after acute and chronic systemic FSG67. FSG67 given intracerebroventricularly (100 and 320 nmol icv) produced 24-h weight loss and feeding suppression, indicating contributions from direct central nervous system sites of action. Together, these data point to GPAT as a new potential therapeutic target for the management of obesity and its comorbidities. PMID:21490364

Poly(styrene-co-butadiene) random copolymer thin films and nanostructures on a mica surface: morphology and contact angles of nanodroplets.

PubMed

McClements, Jake; Buffone, Cosimo; Shaver, Michael P; Sefiane, Khellil; Koutsos, Vasileios

2017-09-20

The self-assembly of poly(styrene-co-butadiene) random copolymers on mica surfaces was studied by varying solution concentrations and polymer molecular weights. Toluene solutions of the poly(styrene-co-butadiene) samples were spin coated onto a mica surface and the resulting polymer morphology was investigated by atomic force microscopy. At higher concentrations, thin films formed with varying thicknesses; some dewetting was observed which depended on the molecular weight. Total dewetting did not occur despite the polymer's low glass transition temperature. Instead, partial dewetting was observed suggesting that the polymer was in a metastable equilibrium state. At lower concentrations, spherical cap shaped nanodroplets formed with varying sizes from single polymer chains to aggregates containing millions of chains. As the molecular weight was increased, fewer aggregates were observed on the surface, albeit with larger sizes resulting from increased solution viscosities and more chain entanglements at higher molecular weights. The contact angles of the nanodroplets were shown to be size dependent. A minimum contact angle occurs for droplets with radii of 100-250 nm at each molecular weight. Droplets smaller than 100 nm showed a sharp increase in contact angle; attributed to an increase in the elastic modulus of the droplets, in addition, to a positive line tension value. Droplets larger than 250 nm also showed an increased contact angle due to surface heterogeneities which cannot be avoided for larger droplets. This increase in contact angle plateaus as the droplet size reaches the macroscopic scale.

Is increased joint loading detrimental to obese patients with knee osteoarthritis? A secondary data analysis from a randomized trial.

PubMed

Henriksen, M; Hunter, D J; Dam, E B; Messier, S P; Andriacchi, T P; Lohmander, L S; Aaboe, J; Boesen, M; Gudbergsen, H; Bliddal, H; Christensen, R

2013-12-01

To investigate whether increased knee joint loading due to improved ambulatory function and walking speed following weight loss achieved over 16 weeks accelerates symptomatic and structural disease progression over a subsequent 1 year weight maintenance period in an obese population with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Data from a prospective study of weight loss in obese patients with knee OA (the CARtilage in obese knee OsteoarThritis (CAROT) study) were used to determine changes in knee joint compressive loadings (model estimated) during walking after a successful 16 week weight loss intervention. The participants were divided into 'Unloaders' (participants that reduced joint loads) and 'Loaders' (participants that increased joint loads). The primary symptomatic outcome was changes in knee symptoms, measured with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire, during a subsequent 52 weeks weight maintenance period. The primary structural outcome was changes in tibiofemoral cartilage loss assessed semi-quantitatively (Boston Leeds Knee Osteoarthritis Score (BLOKS) from MRI after the 52 weight maintenance period. 157 participants (82% of the CAROT cohort) with medial and/or lateral knee OA were classified as Unloaders (n = 100) or Loaders (n = 57). The groups showed similar significant changes in symptoms (group difference: -2.4 KOOS points [95% CI -6.8:1.9]) and cartilage loss (group difference: -0.06 BLOKS points [95% CI -0.22:0.11) after 1 year, with no statistically significant differences between Loaders and Unloaders. For obese patients undergoing a significant weight loss, increased knee joint loading for 1 year was not associated with accelerated symptomatic and structural disease progression compared to a similar weight loss group that had reduced ambulatory compressive knee joint loads. NCT00655941. Copyright © 2013 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Differential effects of chronic intermittent and chronic constant hypoxia on postnatal growth and development.

PubMed

Farahani, Reza; Kanaan, Amjad; Gavrialov, Orit; Brunnert, Steven; Douglas, Robert M; Morcillo, Patrick; Haddad, Gabriel G

2008-01-01

Exposure to chronic constant or intermittent hypoxia (CCH or CIH) may have different effects on growth and development in early life. In this work, we exposed postnatal day 2 (P2) CD1 mice to CCH or CIH (11% O2) for 4 weeks and examined the effect of hypoxia on body and organ growth until P30. Regression analysis showed that weight increased in control, CCH and CIH cohorts with age with r2 values of 0.99, 0.97, and 0.94, respectively. Between days 2 and 30, slopes were 0.93+/-0.057, 0.76+/-0.108, and 0.63+/-0.061 (g/day, means+/-SEM) for control, CIH, and CCH, respectively and significantly different from each other (P<0.001). The slopes between P2 and P16 were 0.78+/-0.012, 0.46+/-0.002, and 0.47+/-0.019 for control, CCH and CIH, respectively. From P16 to 30, slopes were 1.12+/-0.033, 1.09+/-0.143, and 0.82+/-0.08 for control, CIH, and CCH, respectively with no significant difference from each other, suggesting a catch-up growth in the latter part of the hypoxic period. Slower weight gain resulted in a 12% and 23% lower body weight in CIH and CCH mice (P<0.001) by P30. Lung/body ratios were 0.010, 0.015, 0.015 for control, CIH, and CCH at P30, respectively. The decrease in liver, kidney, and brain weight were greater in CCH than CIH. Smaller liver weight was shown to be due to a reduction in cell size and cell number. Liver in CIH and CCH mice showed a 5% and 10% reduction in cell size (P<0.05) and a reduction of 28% in cell number (P<0.001) at P30. In contrast, CCH and CIH heart weight was 13% and 33% greater than control at P30 (P<0.05), respectively. This increase in the heart weight was due to an increase in the size of cardiomyocytes which showed an increase of 12% and 14% (P<0.001) for CIH and CCH, respectively as compared to control. Brain weight was 0.48 and 0.46 g for CIH and CCH, respectively (95% and 92% of normal). We concluded that (a) CIH and CCH follow different body and organ growth patterns; (b) mostly with CCH, the liver and kidneys are reduced in size in a proportionate way to body size but heart, lung, and brain are either spared or increased in size compared to body weight; and (c) the decrease in liver is secondary mostly to a decrease in cell number. Copyright (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Toxicological Effects of Cypermethrin on Female Albino Rats

PubMed Central

Sangha, G. K.; Kaur, Kamalpreet; Khera, K. S.; Singh, Balwinder

2011-01-01

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of cypermethrin on reproduction of female albino rats. The experimental rats were fed cypermethrin at 50 mg/kg b. wt. continuously for a period of 2 and 4 weeks. Feed and water intake was also noted daily for control, vehicle treated and cypermethrin-treated rats. It was observed that there was no effect on feed and water intake in treated rats as compared to the control group. Chronic exposure to cypermethrin for 4 weeks resulted in loose fecal pellets and hyperirritability in the treated rats. Treatment related mortality also occurred at the 4th wk of treatment. Significant changes in body weight and various organ weights due to cypermethrin were observed along with disruption of estrous cycle in rats. The body weight gain in treated rats was lower at both 2 and 4 weeks as compared to the control rats. The weight of liver and spleen decreased, while that of kidneys increased as compared to the control rats. Thyroid and adrenal showed increase in weight at both 2 and 4 weeks of treatments. PMID:21430912

Molecular weight distribution characterization of hydrophobe-modified hydroxyethyl cellulose by size-exclusion chromatography.

PubMed

Li, Yongfu; Meunier, David M; Partain, Emmett M

2014-09-12

Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) of hydrophobe-modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (HmHEC) is challenging because polymer chains are not isolated in solution due to association of hydrophobic groups and hydrophobic interaction with column packing materials. An approach to neutralize these hydrophobic interactions was developed by adding β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) to the aqueous eluent. SEC mass recovery, especially for the higher molecular weight chains, increased with increasing concentration of β-CD in the eluent. A β-CD concentration of 0.75wt% in the eluent was determined to be optimal for the HmHEC polymers studied. These conditions enabled precise determinations of apparent molecular weight distributions exhibiting less than 2% relative standard deviation in the measured weight-average molecular weight (MW) for five injections on three studied samples and showed no significant differences in MW determined on two different days. The developed technology was shown to be very robust for characterizing HmHEC having MW from 500kg/mol to 2000kg/mol, and it can be potentially applied to other hydrophobe-modified polymers. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantifying population exposure to airborne particulate matter during extreme events in California due to climate change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmud, A.; Hixson, M.; Kleeman, M. J.

2012-02-01

The effect of climate change on population-weighted concentrations of particulate matter (PM) during extreme events was studied using the Parallel Climate Model (PCM), the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and the UCD/CIT 3-D photochemical air quality model. A "business as usual" (B06.44) global emissions scenario was dynamically downscaled for the entire state of California between the years 2000-2006 and 2047-2053. Air quality simulations were carried out for 1008 days in each of the present-day and future climate conditions using year-2000 emissions. Population-weighted concentrations of PM0.1, PM2.5, and PM10 total mass, components species, and primary source contributions were calculated for California and three air basins: the Sacramento Valley air basin (SV), the San Joaquin Valley air basin (SJV) and the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB). Results over annual-average periods were contrasted with extreme events. Climate change between 2000 vs. 2050 did not cause a statistically significant change in annual-average population-weighted PM2.5 mass concentrations within any major sub-region of California in the current study. Climate change did alter the annual-average composition of the airborne particles in the SoCAB, with notable reductions of elemental carbon (EC; -3%) and organic carbon (OC; -3%) due to increased annual-average wind speeds that diluted primary concentrations from gasoline combustion (-3%) and food cooking (-4%). In contrast, climate change caused significant increases in population-weighted PM2.5 mass concentrations in central California during extreme events. The maximum 24-h average PM2.5 concentration experienced by an average person during a ten-year period in the SJV increased by 21% due to enhanced production of secondary particulate matter (manifested as NH4NO3). In general, climate change caused increased stagnation during future extreme pollution events, leading to higher exposure to diesel engines particles (+32%) and wood combustion particles (+14%) when averaging across the population of the entire state. Enhanced stagnation also isolated populations from distant sources such as shipping (-61%) during extreme events. The combination of these factors altered the statewide population-averaged composition of particles during extreme events, with EC increasing by 23%, nitrate increasing by 58%, and sulfate decreasing by 46%.

Dielectric Properties of PANI/CuO Nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambalagi, Sharanabasamma M.; Devendrappa, Mahalesh; Nagaraja, Sannakki; Sannakki, Basavaraja

2018-02-01

The combustion method is used to prepare the Copper Oxide (CuO) nanoparticles. The nanocomposites of Polyaniline (PANI) by doping with copper oxide nanoparticles have synthesized at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 different weight percentages during the in-situ polymerization. The samples of nanocomposite of PANI-CuO were characterized by using X-Ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The physical properties such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss and A C conductivity of the nanocomposites are studied as a function of frequency in the range 5Hz-35MHz at room temperature. It is found that the dielectric constant decreases as the frequency increases. The dielectric constant it remains constant at higher frequencies and it is also observed that in particular frequency both the dielectric constant and dielectric loss are decreased as a weight percentage of CuO increased. In case of AC conductivity it is found that as the frequency increases the AC conductivity remains constant up to 3.56MHz and afterwards it increases as frequency increases. This is due to the increase in charge carriers through the hopping mechanism in the polymer nanocomposites. It is also observed that as a weight percentage of CuO increased the AC conductivity is also increasing at a particular frequency.

The low-carbohydrate diet and cardiovascular risk factors: Evidence from epidemiologic studies

PubMed Central

Hu, T.; Bazzano, L. A.

2015-01-01

Aims Obesity is an important public health issue because of its high prevalence and concomitant increase in risk of cardiovascular diseases. Low carbohydrate diets are popular for weight loss and weight management but are not recommended in leading guidelines due to the perception that increases in dietary fat intake may lead to an adverse cardiovascular risk profile. To clarify the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet for weight loss on cardiovascular disease risk factors as compared to a low fat diet for weight loss, we systematically reviewed data from randomized controlled clinical trials and large observational studies. Data synthesis We searched the MEDLINE database (Jan 1966–Nov 2013) to identify studies that examined a low-carbohydrate diet as compared to a low-fat diet for weight loss or the improvement of cardiovascular disease risk factors. Conclusions Recent randomized controlled trials document that low-carbohydrate diets not only decrease body weight but also improve cardiovascular risk factors. In light of this evidence from randomized controlled trials, dietary guidelines should be re-visited advocating a healthy low carbohydrate dietary pattern as an alternative dietary strategy for the prevention of obesity and cardiovascular disease risk factors. PMID:24613757

Evaluation of aqueous leaves extract of Moringa oleifera Linn for wound healing in albino rats.

PubMed

Rathi, B S; Bodhankar, S L; Baheti, A M

2006-11-01

Aqueous extract of leaves of M. oleifera was investigated and rationalised for its wound healing activity. The aqueous extract was studied at dose level of 300 mg/kg body weight using resutured incision; excision and dead space wound models in rats. Significant increase in wound closure rate, skin-breaking strength, granuloma breaking strength, hydroxyproline content, granuloma dry weight and decrease in scar area was observed. The prohealing actions seem to be due to increased collagen deposition as well as better alignment and maturation. From the results obtained, it may be concluded that the aqueous extract of M. oleifera has significant wound healing property.

Factors affecting the colour of lamb meat from the longissimus muscle during display: the influence of muscle weight and muscle oxidative capacity.

PubMed

Calnan, H B; Jacob, R H; Pethick, D W; Gardner, G E

2014-02-01

Spectrophotometric measures were used to determine the redness:browness (R630/R580) of 4238 lamb longissimus muscle after 3 days under simulated display. The results were analysed using linear mixed effects models. Environmental factors represented by effects such as kill group and site of production produced the greatest variation of up to 2.76 units in R630/R580. Isocitrate dehydrogenase activity, reflecting muscle oxidative capacity, reduced R630/R580 by 0.5 units. Selection for high muscling sires increased R630/R580 by 0.27 units, likely due to changes in muscle oxidative capacity. Lamb carcass weight also increased R630/R580 by 0.5 units. Analysis of genotypic factors influencing lamb size and growth rate such as sire type and dam breed further supported that increased growth rate improves meat R630/R580. Our findings suggest that breeding for increased growth rate and increased muscle weight could result in Australian lamb meat retaining its red colour for extended periods whilst on display. © 2013.

Mental health consequences of weight cycling in the first-year post-treatment for breast cancer.

PubMed

Pila, Eva; Sabiston, Catherine M; Castonguay, Andrée L; Arbour-Nicitopoulos, Kelly; Taylor, Valerie H

2018-08-01

Weight cycling is linked with advanced breast cancer diagnosis, increased risk of cancer reoccurrence and cancer-related mortality. While women treated for breast cancer report challenges with navigating their post-treatment body shape and weight, the effects of weight cycling on body image and mental health have not been elucidated. This study examined associations between weight changes and weight cycling on psychological health (i.e. weight-related guilt, shame and depressive symptoms) among women in the first-year post-treatment. Self-reported assessments of pre-cancer weight cycling, post-treatment weight-related guilt, shame and depressive symptoms, and objective assessments of weight were assessed in a longitudinal sample of 173 women treated for breast cancer (M age  = 55.01 ± 10.96 years). Based on findings from multilevel models, women experienced the most weight-related shame when their weight was heavier than their personal average. Additionally, heavier weight was associated with worse psychological health, particularly for women with a history of stable (vs. cycling) weight pre-cancer. Weight cycling pre-cancer and post-treatment weight change have important implications for psychological well-being. Due to the potential psychological consequences associated with a history of weight cycling, targeted strategies are needed to improve overall health outcomes for women's survivorship after breast cancer.

A Case of Cutis Pleonasmus

PubMed Central

Ko, Hyun Chang; Jwa, Seung Wook; Song, Margaret; Kwon, Kyung Sool

2008-01-01

In 2005, Kreidstein first proposed the term "Cutis pleonasmus," a Greek term meaning "redundancy," which refers to the excessive skin that remains after massive weight loss. Cutis pleonasmus is clearly distinguishable from other diseases showing increased laxity of the skin, such as pseudoxanthoma elasticum, congenital and acquired generalized cutis laxa. Although individuals who are severely overweight are few and bariatric surgeries are less common in Korea than in the West, the number of these patients is increasing due to changes to Western life styles. We report a case for a 24-year-old man who presented with generalized lax and loose skin after massive weight loss. He was diagnosed with cutis pleonasmus based on the history of great weight loss, characteristic clinical features and normal histological findings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of cutis pleonasmus in Korea. PMID:27303198

Decision-model estimation of the age-specific disability weight for schistosomiasis japonica: a systematic review of the literature.

PubMed

Finkelstein, Julia L; Schleinitz, Mark D; Carabin, Hélène; McGarvey, Stephen T

2008-03-05

Schistosomiasis is among the most prevalent parasitic infections worldwide. However, current Global Burden of Disease (GBD) disability-adjusted life year estimates indicate that its population-level impact is negligible. Recent studies suggest that GBD methodologies may significantly underestimate the burden of parasitic diseases, including schistosomiasis. Furthermore, strain-specific disability weights have not been established for schistosomiasis, and the magnitude of human disease burden due to Schistosoma japonicum remains controversial. We used a decision model to quantify an alternative disability weight estimate of the burden of human disease due to S. japonicum. We reviewed S. japonicum morbidity data, and constructed decision trees for all infected persons and two age-specific strata, <15 years (y) and > or =15 y. We conducted stochastic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses for each model. Infection with S. japonicum was associated with an average disability weight of 0.132, with age-specific disability weights of 0.098 (<15 y) and 0.186 (> or =15 y). Re-estimated disability weights were seven to 46 times greater than current GBD measures; no simulations produced disability weight estimates lower than 0.009. Nutritional morbidities had the greatest contribution to the S. japonicum disability weight in the <15 y model, whereas major organ pathologies were the most critical variables in the older age group. GBD disability weights for schistosomiasis urgently need to be revised, and species-specific disability weights should be established. Even a marginal increase in current estimates would result in a substantial rise in the estimated global burden of schistosomiasis, and have considerable implications for public health prioritization and resource allocation for schistosomiasis research, monitoring, and control.

Decision-Model Estimation of the Age-Specific Disability Weight for Schistosomiasis Japonica: A Systematic Review of the Literature

PubMed Central

Finkelstein, Julia L.; Schleinitz, Mark D.; Carabin, Hélène; McGarvey, Stephen T.

2008-01-01

Schistosomiasis is among the most prevalent parasitic infections worldwide. However, current Global Burden of Disease (GBD) disability-adjusted life year estimates indicate that its population-level impact is negligible. Recent studies suggest that GBD methodologies may significantly underestimate the burden of parasitic diseases, including schistosomiasis. Furthermore, strain-specific disability weights have not been established for schistosomiasis, and the magnitude of human disease burden due to Schistosoma japonicum remains controversial. We used a decision model to quantify an alternative disability weight estimate of the burden of human disease due to S. japonicum. We reviewed S. japonicum morbidity data, and constructed decision trees for all infected persons and two age-specific strata, <15 years (y) and ≥15 y. We conducted stochastic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses for each model. Infection with S. japonicum was associated with an average disability weight of 0.132, with age-specific disability weights of 0.098 (<15 y) and 0.186 (≥15 y). Re-estimated disability weights were seven to 46 times greater than current GBD measures; no simulations produced disability weight estimates lower than 0.009. Nutritional morbidities had the greatest contribution to the S. japonicum disability weight in the <15 y model, whereas major organ pathologies were the most critical variables in the older age group. GBD disability weights for schistosomiasis urgently need to be revised, and species-specific disability weights should be established. Even a marginal increase in current estimates would result in a substantial rise in the estimated global burden of schistosomiasis, and have considerable implications for public health prioritization and resource allocation for schistosomiasis research, monitoring, and control. PMID:18320018

Degradability studies of PLA nanocomposites under controlled water sorption and soil burial conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norazlina, H.; Hadi, A. A.; Qurni, A. U.; Amri, M.; Mashelmie, S.; Kamal, Y.

2018-04-01

Polymer blended nanocomposites based on polylactic acid (PLA) were prepared via a simple melting process and investigated for its biodegradation behaviour. The treated CNTs were surface modified by using acid treatment and characterisations of composites were done by using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) and UV-Vis. FTIR spectra and UV-Vis peak confirmed the surface modification of CNTs. The water uptake and weight loss behaviour based on CNTs and m-CNTs loading at different temperatures (25° and 45°C) were studied. It was found that the water absorption and weight loss of nanocomposites increased by the incorporation of CNTs and m-CNTs. Moisture induced degradation of composite samples was significant at elevated temperature. The addition of treated CNTs successfully reduced the water uptake and weight loss of nanocomposites due to less hydrolytic effect of water on nanocomposites. In soil burial test, the weight loss increases with addition of nanofiller. The loading of m-CNT reduced the ability of nanocomposites degradation.

Vitamin D status and weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and nonrandomized controlled weight-loss trials.

PubMed

Mallard, Simonette R; Howe, Anna S; Houghton, Lisa A

2016-10-01

Obesity is associated with lower concentrations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D; however, uncertainty exists as to the direction of causation. To date, meta-analyses of randomized controlled vitamin D-supplementation trials have shown no effect of raising circulating vitamin D on body weight, although several weight-loss-intervention trials have reported an increase in circulating vitamin D after weight reduction. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials to determine whether weight loss compared with weight maintenance leads to an increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. A systematic search for controlled weight-loss-intervention studies published up to 31 March 2016 was performed. Studies that included participants of any age with changes in adiposity and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D as primary or secondary outcomes were considered eligible. We identified 4 randomized controlled trials (n = 2554) and 11 nonrandomized controlled trials (n = 917) for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Random assignment to weight loss compared with weight maintenance resulted in a greater increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D with a mean difference of 3.11 nmol/L (95% CI: 1.38, 4.84 nmol/L) between groups, whereas a mean difference of 4.85 nmol/L (95% CI: 2.59, 7.12 nmol/L) was observed in nonrandomized trials. No evidence for a dose-response effect of weight loss on the change in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was shown overall. Our results indicate that vitamin D status may be marginally improved with weight loss in comparison with weight maintenance under similar conditions of supplemental vitamin D intake. Although additional studies in unsupplemented individuals are needed to confirm these findings, our results support the view that the association between obesity and lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D may be due to reversed causation with increased adiposity leading to suboptimal concentrations of circulating vitamin D. This trial was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ as CRD42015023836. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Within-litter variation in birth weight: impact of nutritional status in the sow.

PubMed

Yuan, Tao-lin; Zhu, Yu-hua; Shi, Meng; Li, Tian-tian; Li, Na; Wu, Guo-yao; Bazer, Fuller W; Zang, Jian-jun; Wang, Feng-lai; Wang, Jun-jun

2015-06-01

Accompanying the beneficial improvement in litter size from genetic selection for high-prolificacy sows, within-litter variation in birth weight has increased with detrimental effects on post-natal growth and survival due to an increase in the proportion of piglets with low birth-weight. Causes of within-litter variation in birth weight include breed characteristics that affect uterine space, ovulation rate, degree of maturation of oocytes, duration of time required for ovulation, interval between ovulation and fertilization, uterine capacity for implantation and placentation, size and efficiency of placental transport of nutrients, communication between conceptus/fetus and maternal systems, as well as nutritional status and environmental influences during gestation. Because these factors contribute to within-litter variation in birth weight, nutritional status of the sow to improve fetal-placental development must focus on the following three important stages in the reproductive cycle: pre-mating or weaning to estrus, early gestation and late gestation. The goal is to increase the homogeneity of development of oocytes and conceptuses, decrease variations in conceptus development during implantation and placentation, and improve birth weights of newborn piglets. Though some progress has been made in nutritional regulation of within-litter variation in the birth weight of piglets, additional studies, with a focus on and insights into molecular mechanisms of reproductive physiology from the aspects of maternal growth and offspring development, as well as their regulation by nutrients provided to the sow, are urgently needed.

Rodent model of activity-based anorexia.

PubMed

Carrera, Olaia; Fraga, Ángela; Pellón, Ricardo; Gutiérrez, Emilio

2014-04-10

Activity-based anorexia (ABA) consists of a procedure that involves the simultaneous exposure of animals to a restricted feeding schedule, while free access is allowed to an activity wheel. Under these conditions, animals show a progressive increase in wheel running, a reduced efficiency in food intake to compensate for their increased activity, and a severe progression of weight loss. Due to the parallelism with the clinical manifestations of anorexia nervosa including increased activity, reduced food intake and severe weight loss, the ABA procedure has been proposed as the best analog of human anorexia nervosa (AN). Thus, ABA research could both allow a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying AN and generate useful leads for treatment development in AN. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Effects of laminar flow control on the performance of a large span-distributed-load flying-wing cargo airplane concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jernell, L. S.

1978-01-01

The effects of laminar flow control (LFC) on the performance of a large span-distributed-load flying-wing cargo airplane concept having a design payload of 2.669 MN and range of 5.93 Mm were determined. Two configurations were considered. One employed laminarized flow over the entire surfaces of the wing and vertical tails, with the exception of the estimated areas of interference due to the fuselage and engines. The other case differed only in that laminar flow was not applied to the flaps, elevons, spoilers, or rudders. The two cases are referred to as the 100 percent and 80 percent laminar configurations, respectively. The utilization of laminar flow control results in reductions in the standard day, sea level installed maximum static thrust per engine from 240 kN for the non-LFC configuration to 205 kN for the 100 percent laminar configuration and 209 kN for the 80 percent case. Weight increases due to the LFC systems cause increases in the operating empty weights of approximately 3 to 4 percent. The design takeoff gross weights decrease approximately 3 to 5 percent. The FAR-25 takeoff field distances for the LFC configurations are greater by about 6 to 7 percent. Fuel efficiencies for the respective configurations are increased 33 percent and 23 percent.

Investigating sea level rise due to global warming in the teaching laboratory using Archimedes’ principle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, Stephen; Pearce, Darren

2015-11-01

A teaching laboratory experiment is described that uses Archimedes’ principle to precisely investigate the effect of global warming on the oceans. A large component of sea level rise is due to the increase in the volume of water due to the decrease in water density with increasing temperature. Water close to 0 °C is placed in a beaker and a glass marble hung from an electronic balance immersed in the water. As the water warms, the weight of the marble increases as the water is less buoyant due to the decrease in density. In the experiment performed in this paper a balance with a precision of 0.1 mg was used with a marble 40.0 cm3 and mass of 99.3 g, yielding water density measurements with an average error of -0.008 ± 0.011%.

Design of micro bending deformer for optical fiber weight sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ula, R. K.; Hanto, D.; Waluyo, T. B.; Adinanta, H.; Widiyatmoko, B.

2017-04-01

The road damage due to excessive load is one of the causes of accidents on the road. A device to measure weight of the passing vehicles needs to be planted in the road structure. Thus, a weight sensor for the passing vehicles is required. In this study, we designed a weight sensor for a static load based on a power loss due to a micro bending on the optical fiber flanked on a board. The following main components are used i.e. LED 1310 nm as a light source, a multimode fiber optic as a transmission media and a power meter for measuring power loss. This works focuses on obtaining a suitable deformer design for weight sensor. Experimental results show that deformer design with 1.5 mm single side has level of accuracy as 4.32% while the design with 1.5 mm double side has level of accuracy as 98.77%. Increasing deformer length to 2.5 mm gives 71.18% level of accuracy for single side, and 76.94% level of accuracy for double side. Micro bending design with 1.5 mm double side has a high sensitivity and it is also capable of measuring load up to 100 kg. The sensor designed has been tested for measuring the weight of motor cycle, and it can be upgraded for measuring heavy vehicles.

Effect of medicinal plants extracts on the incidence of mosaic disease caused by cucumber mosaic virus and growth of chili

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamidson, H.; Damiri, N.; Angraini, E.

2018-01-01

This research was conducted to study the effect of the application of several extracts of medicinal plants on the incidence of mosaic disease caused by Cucumber Mosaic Virus infection on the chili (Capsicum annuum L.) plantation. A Randomized Block Design with eight treatments including control was used throughout the experiment. Treatments consisted of Azadiracta indica (A), Piper bitle (B), Cymbopogon citrates (C), Curcuma domestica (D), Averroa bilimbi (E), Datura stramonium (F), Annona Muricata (G) and control (H). Each treatment consist of three replications. The parameters observed were the incidence of mosaic attack due to CMV, disease severity, plant height, wet and dry weight and production (number of fruits and the weight of total fruits) each plant. Results showed that the application of medicinal plant extracts reduced the disease severity due to CMV. Extracts of Annona muricata and Datura stramonium were most effective in suppressing disease severity caused by the virus as they significantly different from control and from a number of treatment. The plants medicinal extracts were found to have increased the plant height and total weight of the plant, fruit amount and fruit weight. Extracts of Curcuma domestica, Piper bitle and Cymbopogon citrates were the third highest in fruit amount and weight and significantly different from the control.

Comparison of recycling outcomes in three types of recycling collection units.

PubMed

Andrews, Ashley; Gregoire, Mary; Rasmussen, Heather; Witowich, Gretchen

2013-03-01

Commercial institutions have many factors to consider when implementing an effective recycling program. This study examined the effectiveness of three different types of recycling bins on recycling accuracy by determining the percent weight of recyclable material placed in the recycling bins, comparing the percent weight of recyclable material by type of container used, and examining whether a change in signage increased recycling accuracy. Data were collected over 6 weeks totaling 30 days from 3 different recycling bin types at a Midwest University medical center. Five bin locations for each bin type were used. Bags from these bins were collected, sorted into recyclable and non-recyclable material, and weighed. The percent recyclable material was calculated using these weights. Common contaminates found in the bins were napkins and paper towels, plastic food wrapping, plastic bags, and coffee cups. The results showed a significant difference in percent recyclable material between bin types and bin locations. Bin type 2 was found to have one bin location to be statistically different (p=0.048), which may have been due to lack of a trash bin next to the recycling bin in that location. Bin type 3 had significantly lower percent recyclable material (p<0.001), which may have been due to lack of a trash bin next to the recycling bin and increased contamination due to the combination of commingled and paper into one bag. There was no significant change in percent recyclable material in recycling bins post signage change. These results suggest a signage change may not be an effective way, when used alone, to increase recycling compliance and accuracy. This study showed two or three-compartment bins located next to a trash bin may be the best bin type for recycling accuracy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Responses of gut microbiota to diet composition and weight loss in lean and obese mice.

PubMed

Ravussin, Yann; Koren, Omry; Spor, Ayme; LeDuc, Charles; Gutman, Roee; Stombaugh, Jesse; Knight, Rob; Ley, Ruth E; Leibel, Rudolph L

2012-04-01

Maintenance of a reduced body weight is accompanied by a decrease in energy expenditure beyond that accounted for by reduced body mass and composition, as well as by an increased drive to eat. These effects appear to be due--in part--to reductions in circulating leptin concentrations due to loss of body fat. Gut microbiota have been implicated in the regulation of body weight. The effects of weight loss on qualitative aspects of gut microbiota have been studied in humans and mice, but these studies have been confounded by concurrent changes in diet composition, which influence microbial community composition. We studied the impact of 20% weight loss on the microbiota of diet-induced obese (DIO: 60% calories fat) mice on a high-fat diet (HFD). Weight-reduced DIO (DIO-WR) mice had the same body weight and composition as control (CON) ad-libitum (AL) fed mice being fed a control diet (10% calories fat), allowing a direct comparison of diet and weight-perturbation effects. Microbial community composition was assessed by pyrosequencing 16S rRNA genes derived from the ceca of sacrificed animals. There was a strong effect of diet composition on the diversity and composition of the microbiota. The relative abundance of specific members of the microbiota was correlated with circulating leptin concentrations and gene expression levels of inflammation markers in subcutaneous white adipose tissue in all mice. Together, these results suggest that both host adiposity and diet composition impact microbiota composition, possibly through leptin-mediated regulation of mucus production and/or inflammatory processes that alter the gut habitat.

Mechanical and biodegradable properties of porous titanium filled with poly-L-lactic acid by modified in situ polymerization technique.

PubMed

Nakai, Masaaki; Niinomi, Mitsuo; Ishii, Daisuke

2011-10-01

Porous titanium (pTi) can possess a low Young's modulus equal to that of human bone, depending on its porosity. However, the mechanical strength of pTi deteriorates greatly with increasing porosity. On the other hand, certain medical polymers exhibit biofunctionalities, which are not possessed intrinsically by metallic materials. Therefore, a biodegradable medical polymer, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), was used to fill in the pTi pores using a modified in-situ polymerization technique. The mechanical and biodegradable properties of pTi filled with PLLA (pTi/PLLA) as fabricated by this technique and the effects of the PLLA filling were evaluated in this study. The pTi pores are almost completely filled with PLLA by the developed process (i.e., technique). The tensile strength and tensile Young's modulus of pTi barely changes with the PLLA filling. However, the PLLA filling improves the compressive 0.2% proof stress of pTi having any porosity and increases the compressive Young's modulus of pTi having relatively high porosity. This difference between the tensile and compressive properties of pTi/PLLA is considered to be caused by the differing resistances of PLLA in the pores to tensile and compressive deformations. The PLLA filled into the pTi pores degrades during immersion in Hanks' solution at 310 K. The weight loss due to PLLA degradation increases with increasing immersion time. However, the rate of weight loss of pTi/PLLA during immersion decreases with increasing immersion time. Hydroxyapatite formation is observed on the surface of pTi/PLLA after immersion for ≥8 weeks. The decrease in the weight-loss rate may be caused by weight gain due to hydroxyapatite formation and/or the decrease in contact area with Hanks' solution caused by its formation on the surface of pTi/PLLA. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

On the exfoliating polymeric cellular dosage forms for immediate drug release.

PubMed

Blaesi, Aron H; Saka, Nannaji

2016-06-01

The most prevalent pharmaceutical dosage forms at present-the oral immediate-release tablets and capsules-are granular solids. Though effective in releasing drug rapidly, development and manufacture of such dosage forms are fraught with difficulties inherent to particulate processing. Predictable dosage form manufacture could be achieved by liquid-based processing, but cast solid dosage forms are not suitable for immediate drug release due to their resistance to fluid percolation. To overcome this limitation, we have recently introduced cellular dosage forms that can be readily prepared from polymeric melts. It has been shown that open-cell structures comprising polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG 8k) excipient and a drug exfoliate upon immersion in a dissolution medium. The drug is then released rapidly due to the large specific surface area of the exfoliations. In this work, we vary the molecular weight of the PEG excipient and investigate its effect on the drug release kinetics of structures with predominantly open-cell topology. We demonstrate that the exfoliation rate decreases substantially if the excipient molecular weight is increased from 12 to 100kg/mol, which causes the drug dissolution time to increase by more than a factor of ten. A model is then developed to elucidate the exfoliation behavior of cellular structures. Diverse transport processes are considered: percolation due to capillarity, diffusion of dissolution medium through the cell walls, and viscous flow of the saturated excipient. It is found that the lower exfoliation rate and the longer dissolution time of the dosage forms with higher excipient molecular weight are primarily due to the greater viscosity of the cell walls after fluid penetration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A metabolomics-based approach identifies changes in the small molecular weight compound composition of the peanut as a result of dry-roasting.

PubMed

Klevorn, Claire M; Dean, Lisa L

2018-02-01

Raw peanuts in the USA are subjected to thermal processing, such as dry-roasting, prior to consumption. A multi-instrument metabolomics-based platform along with targeted analyses was used to determine changes in the low-molecular-weight compound composition of peanuts due to dry-roasting. Runner and virginia-type peanut seeds were characterized using several analytical platforms including (RP)/UPLC-MS/MS (positive and negative ion mode ESI) and HILIC/UPLC-MS/MS with negative ion mode ESI. Of the 383 compounds identified, 16 compounds were unique to the roasted peanuts. Using pathway analysis, compounds associated with arginine and proline metabolism were found to be the most changed. Products of chemical degradation and compounds contained within the vesicular bodies of the peanut increased after roasting. Dry-roasting had a significant impact on the levels and types of low-molecular-weight compounds present. These findings provide useful information about composition changes due to roasting. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Propelling Extended Objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Humbert, Richard

2010-03-01

A force acting on just part of an extended object (either a solid or a volume of a liquid) can cause all of it to move. That motion is due to the transmission of the force through the object by its material. This paper discusses how the force is distributed to all of the object by a gradient of stress or pressure in it, which creates the local force that directly propels each part of the object. Those gradients resemble the ones created in objects by their weights. An example of the latter is the compressive stress in a column of a building increasing steadily toward its lower end. That gradient occurs because each horizontal section through the column supports all of the weight above it, including the load force pushing down on the column's upper end. The gradient resembles the pressure in a container of liquid increasing with depth in it. Likewise, the weight of a vertically hanging cable causes its tension and tensile stress to increase toward its upper end.

The effects of changing exercise levels on weight and age-relatedweight gain

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williams, Paul T.; Wood, Peter D.

2004-06-01

To determine prospectively whether physical activity canprevent age-related weight gain and whether changing levels of activityaffect body weight. DESIGN/SUBJECTS: The study consisted of 8,080 maleand 4,871 female runners who completed two questionnaires an average(+/-standard deviation (s.d.)) of 3.20+/-2.30 and 2.59+/-2.17 yearsapart, respectively, as part of the National Runners' Health Study.RESULTS: Changes in running distance were inversely related to changes inmen's and women's body mass indices (BMIs) (slope+/-standard error(s.e.): -0.015+/-0.001 and -0.009+/-0.001 kg/m(2) per Deltakm/week,respectively), waist circumferences (-0.030+/-0.002 and -0.022+/-0.005 cmper Deltakm/week, respectively) and percent changes in body weight(-0.062+/-0.003 and -0.041+/-0.003 percent per Deltakm/week,respectively, all P<0.0001). The regression slopes were significantlysteepermore » (more negative) in men than women for DeltaBMI and Deltapercentbody weight (P<0.0001). A longer history of running diminishedthe impact of changing running distance on men's weights. When adjustedfor Deltakm/week, years of aging in men and years of aging in women wereassociated with increases of 0.066+/-0.005 and 0.056+/-0.006 kg/m(2) inBMI, respectively, increases of 0.294+/-0.019 and 0.279+/-0.028 percentin Delta percentbody weight, respectively, and increases of 0.203+/-0.016and 0.271+/-0.033 cm in waist circumference, respectively (allP<0.0001). These regression slopes suggest that vigorous exercise mayneed to increase 4.4 km/week annually in men and 6.2 km/week annually inwomen to compensate for the expected gain in weight associated with aging(2.7 and 3.9 km/week annually when correct for the attenuation due tomeasurement error). CONCLUSIONS: Age-related weight gain occurs evenamong the most active individuals when exercise is constant.Theoretically, vigorous exercise must increase significantly with age tocompensate for the expected gain in weight associated withaging.« less

Effect of Television on Obesity and Excess of Weight and Consequences of Health

PubMed Central

Rosiek, Anna; Frąckowiak Maciejewska, Natalia; Leksowski, Krzysztof; Rosiek-Kryszewska, Aleksandra; Leksowski, Łukasz

2015-01-01

The epidemic nature of obesity in industrialized countries is a serious health and social concern. The number of obese people has significantly increased in the past 20 years. In Poland excess weight and obesity are a serious epidemiological concern. In terms of the number of overweight people, Poland is a leader in Europe. Therefore, indicating many serious health concerns that are the natural consequences of this phenomenon has become important from the point of view of public health. This work identifies numerous diseases which are a direct consequence of obesity due to bad eating habits and lack of physical exercise among Poles. It discusses the negative effect of television and food commercials contributing to an increase in obesity, not only among adults but also among children. This is an overview forming grounds for further studies into ways of preventing the development of diseases due to obesity, both in Poland and in the world. PMID:26274965

Wavelet Spectral Finite Elements for Wave Propagation in Composite Plates

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-21

aerospace structures is increasing rapidly due to several advantages such as lighter weight, fewer joints, improved fatigue life, and higher...breakage, and matrix cracking. These damages often occur below the surface due to fatigue , foreign object impact, etc., and may not be visible. The...ply [0/90]2s. A piezoelectric ( PZT ) actuator (diameter 13.5 mm and thickness 0.22 mm) is affixed onto the composite plate using epoxy. A National

Technology-based interventions for weight management: current randomized controlled trial evidence and future directions

PubMed Central

Buscemi, Joanna; Hawkins, Misty A. W.; Wang, Monica L.; Breland, Jessica Y.; Ross, Kathryn M.; Kommu, Anupama

2018-01-01

Obesity is a prevalent health care issue associated with disability, premature morality, and high costs. Behavioral weight management interventions lead to clinically significant weight losses in overweight and obese individuals; however, many individuals are not able to participate in these face-to-face treatments due to limited access, cost, and/or time constraints. Technological advances such as widespread access to the Internet, increased use of smartphones, and newer behavioral self-monitoring tools have resulted in the development of a variety of eHealth weight management programs. In the present paper, a summary of the most current literature is provided along with potential solutions to methodological challenges (e.g., high attrition, minimal participant racial/ethnic diversity, heterogeneity of technology delivery modes). Dissemination and policy implications will be highlighted as future directions for the field of eHealth weight management. PMID:27783259

Energy Intake and Energy Expenditure for Determining Excess Weight Gain in Pregnant Women

PubMed Central

Gilmore, L. Anne; Butte, Nancy F.; Ravussin, Eric; Han, Hongmei; Burton, Jeffrey H.; Redman, Leanne M.

2016-01-01

Objective To conduct a secondary analysis designed to test whether gestational weight gain is due to increased energy intake or adaptive changes in energy expenditures. Methods In this secondary analysis, energy intake and energy expenditure of 45 pregnant women (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, n=33 and BMI ≥ 25, n=12) were measured preconceptionally 22, and 36 weeks of gestation. Energy intake was calculated as the sum of total energy expenditure measured by doubly labeled water and energy deposition determined by the 4-compartment body composition model. Weight, body composition, and metabolic chamber measurement were completed preconceptionally, 9, 22, and 36 weeks of gestation. Basal metabolic rate was measured by indirect calorimetry in a room calorimeter and activity energy expenditure by doubly labeled water. Results Energy intake from 22 to 36 weeks of gestation was significantly higher in high gainers (n=19) (3437 ± 99 kcal/d) versus low + ideal gainers (n=26) (2687 ± 110 p< .001) within both BMI categories. Basal metabolic rate increased in proportion to gestational weight gain; however, basal metabolic rate adjusted for body composition changes with gestational weight gain was not significantly different between high gainers and low + ideal gainers (151 ± 33 vs. 129 ± 36 kcal/d; p=.66). Activity energy expenditure decreased throughout pregnancy in both groups (low + ideal gainers: −150 ± 70 kcal/d; p=.04 and high gainers: −230 ± 92 kcal/day; p=.01), but there was no difference between high gainers and low + ideal gainers (p=.49). Conclusion Interventions designed to increase adherence to the IOM guidelines for weight gain in pregnancy may have increased efficacy if focused on limiting energy intake while increasing nutrient density and maintaining levels of physical activity. PMID:27054928

Weight loss after head and neck cancer: A dynamic relationship with depressive symptoms.

PubMed

Van Liew, Julia R; Brock, Rebecca L; Christensen, Alan J; Karnell, Lucy Hynds; Pagedar, Nitin A; Funk, Gerry F

2017-02-01

Weight loss and depressive symptoms are critical head and neck cancer outcomes, yet their relation over the illness course is unclear. Associations between self-reported depressive symptoms and objective weight loss across the year after head and neck cancer diagnosis were examined using growth curve modeling techniques (n = 564). A reciprocal covariation pattern emerged-changes in depressive symptoms over time were associated with same-month changes in weight loss (t [1148] = 2.05; p = .041), and changes in weight loss were associated with same-month changes in depressive symptoms (t [556] = 2.43; p = .015). To the extent that depressive symptoms increased, patients lost incrementally more weight than was lost due to the passage of time and vice versa. Results also suggested that pain and eating-related quality of life might explain the reciprocal association between depressive symptoms and weight loss. In head and neck cancer, a transactional interplay between depressive symptoms and weight loss unfolds over time. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 370-379, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The influence of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) on cisplatin-evoked chemotherapeutic and side effects in tumor-bearing mice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hirose, Aya; Sato, Eri; Fujii, Hajime

2007-07-15

Cisplatin (cis-diaminedichloroplatinum (II) or CDDP) (a widely used platinum-containing anticancer drug) is nephrotoxic and has a low percentage of tolerance in patients during chemotherapy. The active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is an extract of Basidiomycotina marketed as a supplement for cancer patients due to its nutrients and fibre content and its ability to strengthen and optimize the capacity of the immune system. The possibility that AHCC could reduce the side effects of cisplatin was assessed in the tumor-bearing BALB/cA mice on the basis of the ability to ameliorate the cisplatin-induced body weight loss, anorexia, nephrotoxicity and hematopoietic toxicity. Although cisplatinmore » (8 mg/kg body weight) reduced the size and weight of the solid tumors, supplementation with AHCC significantly enhanced cisplatin-induced antitumor effect in both the size (p < 0.05) and weight (p < 0.05). Food intake in the cisplatin-treated mice were decreased following commencement of treatment and this remained low compared with the cisplatin-untreated group (control) throughout the experiment period. Supplementation with AHCC increased the food intake in the cisplatin-treated mice. The blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine concentrations, and the ratio of blood urea nitrogen to serum creatinine were significantly increased in the cisplatin alone treated group compared to the control group. Their increased levels were mitigated by supplementation with AHCC (100 mg/kg body weight) in the cisplatin-treated group. AHCC was also able to modulate the suppression of bone marrow due to cisplatin and the improvement was statistically significant. The histopathological examination of the kidney revealed the presence of cisplatin-induced damage and this was modulated by AHCC treatment. The potential for AHCC to ameliorate the cisplatin-evoked toxicity as well as the chemotherapeutic effect could have beneficial economic implications for patients undergoing chemotherapy with cisplatin.« less

Foam composite structures. [for fire retardant airframe materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delano, C. B.; Milligan, R. J.

1976-01-01

The need to include fire resistant foams into state of the art aircraft interior paneling to increase passenger safety in aircraft fires was studied. Present efforts were directed toward mechanical and fire testing of panels with foam inclusions. Skinned foam filled honeycomb and PBI structural foams were the two constructions investigated with attention being directed toward weight/performance/cost trade-off. All of the new panels demonstrated improved performance in fire and some were lighter weight but not as strong as the presently used paneling. Continued efforts should result in improved paneling for passenger safety. In particular the simple partial filling (fire side) of state-of-the-art honeycomb with fire resistant foams with little sacrifice in weight would result in panels with increased fire resistance. More important may be the retarded rate of toxic gas evolution in the fire due to the protection of the honeycomb by the foam.

Survey of Applications of Active Control Technology for Gust Alleviation and New Challenges for Lighter-weight Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Regan, Christopher D.; Jutte, Christine V.

2012-01-01

This report provides a historical survey and assessment of the state of the art in the modeling and application of active control to aircraft encountering atmospheric disturbances in flight. Particular emphasis is placed on applications of active control technologies that enable weight reduction in aircraft by mitigating the effects of atmospheric disturbances. Based on what has been learned to date, recommendations are made for addressing gust alleviation on as the trend for more structurally efficient aircraft yields both lighter and more flexible aircraft. These lighter more flexible aircraft face two significant challenges reduced separation between rigid body and flexible modes, and increased sensitivity to gust encounters due to increased wing loading and improved lift to drag ratios. The primary audience of this paper is engineering professionals new to the area of gust load alleviation and interested in tackling the multifaceted challenges that lie ahead for lighter-weight aircraft.

Comparison of amyloid plaque contrast generated by T2-, T2*-, and susceptibility-weighted imaging methods in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease

PubMed Central

Chamberlain, Ryan; Reyes, Denise; Curran, Geoffrey L.; Marjanska, Malgorzata; Wengenack, Thomas M.; Poduslo, Joseph F.; Garwood, Michael; Jack, Clifford R.

2009-01-01

One of the hallmark pathologies of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is amyloid plaque deposition. Plaques appear hypointense on T2- and T2*-weighted MR images probably due to the presence of endogenous iron, but no quantitative comparison of various imaging techniques has been reported. We estimated the T1, T2, T2*, and proton density values of cortical plaques and normal cortical tissue and analyzed the plaque contrast generated by a collection of T2-, T2*-, and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) methods in ex vivo transgenic mouse specimens. The proton density and T1 values were similar for both cortical plaques and normal cortical tissue. The T2 and T2* values were similar in cortical plaques, which indicates that the iron content of cortical plaques may not be as large as previously thought. Ex vivo plaque contrast was increased compared to a previously reported spin echo sequence by summing multiple echoes and by performing SWI; however, gradient echo and susceptibility weighted imaging was found to be impractical for in vivo imaging due to susceptibility interface-related signal loss in the cortex. PMID:19253386

Evaluation of the impact of noise metrics on tiltrotor aircraft design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sternfeld, H.; Spencer, R.; Ziegenbein, P.

1995-01-01

A subjective noise evaluation was conducted in which the test participants evaluated the annoyance of simulated sounds representative of future civil tiltrotor aircraft. The subjective responses were correlated with the noise metrics of A-weighted sound pressure level, overall sound pressure level, and perceived level. The results indicated that correlation between subjective response and A-weighted sound pressure level is considerably enhanced by combining it in a multiple regression with overall sound pressure level. As a single metric, perceived level correlated better than A-weighted sound pressure level due to greater emphasis on low frequency noise components. This latter finding was especially true for indoor noise where the mid and high frequency noise components are attenuated by typical building structure. Using the results of the subjective noise evaluation, the impact on tiltrotor aircraft design was also evaluated. While A-weighted sound pressure level can be reduced by reduction in tip speed, an increase in number of rotor blades is required to achieve significant reduction of low frequency noise as measured by overall sound pressure level. Additional research, however, is required to achieve comparable reductions in impulsive noise due to blade-vortex interaction, and also to achieve reduction in broad band noise.

Structural phase composition and effectiveness of gas-dynamic spraying of hybrid coatings based on AlMg2 nanocrystalline matrix reinforced with graphene-like structures and micro-size corundum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aborkin, A. V.; Sobol'kov, A. V.; Elkin, A. I.; Arkhipov, V. E.

2018-01-01

The method of cold gas-dynamic spraying of mechanically synthesized powders based on a nanocrystalline AlMg2 matrix reinforced with graphene-like structures and micro-sized corundum particles was used for obtaining hybrid coatings. A feature of the formed coatings is the presence of a two-level micro- and nanocomposite structure. It was found that an increase in the content of corundum microdimensional particles in the mixture from 10 to 30% by weight contributes to an increase in the thickness of the coating obtained at the same time by a factor of 2 from 140 to 310 μm. Further increase in the content of a mixture of micron-sized corundum particles to 50% by weight leads to a decrease in the thickness of the coating formed to 40 μm. The resulting coatings correspond to a high microhardness, varying depending on the composition in the range from 1.7 GPa to 3.2 GPa. The high hardness of the coatings is due to the increase in the hardness of the matrix material due to the creation of a nanocomposite structure, which increases the strength of fixing micro-sized corundum particles therein, improving the characteristics of the heterogeneous coating as a whole.

Pregnancy Is a Risk Factor for Secondary Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Women with a History of Very Low Birth Weight

PubMed Central

Tanaka, Mari; Iwanari, Sachio; Tsujimoto, Yasushi; Taniguchi, Keisuke; Hagihara, Koichiro; Fumihara, Daiki; Miki, Syo; Shimoda, Saeko; Ikeda, Masaki; Takeoka, Hiroya

2017-01-01

Low birth weight (LBW) has been known to increase the susceptibility to renal injury in adulthood. A 26-year-old woman developed proteinuria in early pregnancy; she had been born with very LBW. The clinical course was progressive, and an emergency Caesarean section was performed at 36 weeks due to acute kidney injury. A renal biopsy provided a diagnosis of post-adaptive focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Increased demand for glomerular filtration during early pregnancy appeared to have initiated the renal injury. This report highlights the fact that pregnancy might be a risk factor for renal injury in women born with LBW. PMID:28626180

Pregnancy Is a Risk Factor for Secondary Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Women with a History of Very Low Birth Weight.

PubMed

Tanaka, Mari; Iwanari, Sachio; Tsujimoto, Yasushi; Taniguchi, Keisuke; Hagihara, Koichiro; Fumihara, Daiki; Miki, Syo; Shimoda, Saeko; Ikeda, Masaki; Takeoka, Hiroya

2017-01-01

Low birth weight (LBW) has been known to increase the susceptibility to renal injury in adulthood. A 26-year-old woman developed proteinuria in early pregnancy; she had been born with very LBW. The clinical course was progressive, and an emergency Caesarean section was performed at 36 weeks due to acute kidney injury. A renal biopsy provided a diagnosis of post-adaptive focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Increased demand for glomerular filtration during early pregnancy appeared to have initiated the renal injury. This report highlights the fact that pregnancy might be a risk factor for renal injury in women born with LBW.

Psychological Changes following Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Jackson, Sarah E.; Steptoe, Andrew; Beeken, Rebecca J.; Kivimaki, Mika; Wardle, Jane

2014-01-01

Background Participation in weight loss programs is often associated with improved wellbeing alongside reduced cardio-metabolic risk. In contrast, population-based analyses have found no evidence of psychological benefits of weight loss, but this may be due to inclusion of healthy-weight individuals. We therefore examined cardio-metabolic and psychological changes following weight loss in a cohort of overweight/obese adults. Methods Data were from 1,979 overweight and obese adults (BMI ≥25 kg/m2; age ≥50 y), free of long-standing illness or clinical depression at baseline, from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Participants were grouped according to four-year weight change into those losing ≥5% weight, those gaining ≥5%, and those whose weight was stable within 5%. Logistic regression examined changes in depressed mood (eight-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression score ≥4), low wellbeing (Satisfaction With Life Scale score <20), hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or anti-hypertensives), and high triglycerides (≥1.7 mmol/l), controlling for demographic variables, weight loss intention, and baseline characteristics. Results The proportion of participants with depressed mood increased more in the weight loss than weight stable or weight gain groups (+289%, +86%, +62% respectively; odds ratio [OR] for weight loss vs. weight stable = 1.78 [95% CI 1.29–2.47]). The proportion with low wellbeing also increased more in the weight loss group (+31%, +22%, −4%), but the difference was not statistically significant (OR = 1.16 [0.81–1.66]). Hypertension and high triglyceride prevalence decreased in weight losers and increased in weight gainers (−28%, 4%, +18%; OR = 0.61 [0.45–0.83]; −47%, −13%, +5%; OR = 0.41 [0.28–0.60]). All effects persisted in analyses adjusting for illness and life stress during the weight loss period. Conclusions Weight loss over four years in initially healthy overweight/obese older adults was associated with reduction in cardio-metabolic risk but no psychological benefit, even when changes in health and life stresses were accounted for. These results highlight the need to investigate the emotional consequences of weight loss. PMID:25098417

High-protein, low-fat diets are effective for weight loss and favorably alter biomarkers in healthy adults.

PubMed

Johnston, Carol S; Tjonn, Sherrie L; Swan, Pamela D

2004-03-01

Although popular and effective for weight loss, low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat (Atkins) diets have been associated with adverse changes in blood and renal biomarkers. High-protein diets low in fat may represent an equally appealing diet plan but promote a more healthful weight loss. Healthy adults (n = 20) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 low-fat (<30% energy), energy-restricted groups: high-protein (30% energy) or high-carbohydrate (60% energy); 24-h intakes were strictly controlled during the 6-wk trial. One subject from each group did not complete the trial due to out-of-state travel; two subjects in the high-carbohydrate group withdrew from the trial due to extreme hunger. Body composition and metabolic indices were assessed pre- and post-trial. Both diets were equally effective at reducing body weight (-6%, P < 0.05) and fat mass (-9 to -11%, P < 0.05); however, subjects consuming the high-protein diet reported more satisfaction and less hunger in mo 1 of the trial. Both diets significantly lowered total cholesterol (-10 to -12%), insulin (-25%), and uric acid (-22 to -30%) concentrations in blood from fasting subjects. Urinary calcium excretion increased 42% in subjects consuming the high-protein diet, mirroring the 50% increase in dietary calcium with consumption of this diet; thus, apparent calcium balance was not adversely affected. Creatinine clearance was not altered by diet treatments, and nitrogen balance was more positive in subjects consuming the high-protein diet vs. the high-carbohydrate diet (3.9 +/- 1.4 and 0.7 +/- 1.7 g N/d, respectively, P < 0.05). Thus, low-fat, energy-restricted diets of varying protein content (15 or 30% energy) promoted healthful weight loss, but diet satisfaction was greater in those consuming the high-protein diet.

Effects of in ovo supplementation of probiotics on performance and immunocompetence of broiler chicks to an Eimeria challenge.

PubMed

Pender, C M; Kim, S; Potter, T D; Ritzi, M M; Young, M; Dalloul, R A

2016-11-30

Coccidiosis is regarded as the parasitic disease with the greatest economic impact on the poultry industry due to reduced performance and increased mortality. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of in ovo administration of probiotics on hatchability, performance, immune organ weights, and lesion scores in broiler chicks during a mixed Eimeria infection. At embryonic day 18, 210 eggs were injected with either sterile water or 1×10 6 cfu probiotic bacteria. On day 3 post-hatch, half of the chicks from each treatment group were challenged with a mixed inoculum of Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima and Eimeria tenella. Measurements and tissue samples were taken on day of hatch (DOH) and days 3, 9 and 15. On day 9, 24 birds per treatment were scored for intestinal Eimeria lesions. No differences were seen among groups for hatchability as well as for body weight (BW), BW gain (BWG), or immune organ weights prior to the Eimeria challenge. On day 9, the non-challenged birds with probiotic supplementation had higher BW and BWG than the non-supplemented controls while no differences were seen among the challenged groups. On day 15, probiotic supplemented birds had improved BW compared to the non-supplemented birds as well as increased BWG from day 9 to 15. Bursa weight was not affected by treatment at any time point while spleen weight was greater in supplemented birds on day 15. Birds receiving the probiotic had significantly lower mortality than non-treated birds. Additionally, gross lesion severity was reduced due to probiotic supplementation in all intestinal segments evaluated. These results suggest that in ovo supplementation of probiotics may improve early performance and provide protection against a mixed Eimeria infection.

Effect of adding different levels of rumen protected choline to the diet on productive and reproductive performance of female goats and growth of their kids from birthing to weaning.

PubMed

Habeeb, Alsaied A; Gad, Ahmed E; Atta, Mostafa A; Mustafa, Mohammed M

2018-02-01

Forty female goats in the third parity were randomly divided into four similar groups. The experiment was started 20 days before mating and lasted until the end of the suckling period for 60 days and weaning their kids. The first group were fed diet without supplementation and kept as control while in the second, third and fourth groups, each doe was fed diets with rumen protected choline (RPC) at the rate of 10, 20 and 40 g/day, respectively. Results showed that number of doe kidding twins and triplets and litter weight of kids born per group increased with increasing the level of RPC in the diet of goats and viability rate of born kids during the suckling period improved due to RPC supplementation in the diets of their mothers. Duration of estrous, days from weaning to estrous, days from kidding to estrous and kidding interval decreased significantly, while conception rate increased due to adding RPC. Milk choline concentrations and total choline secretion though milk were progressively increased significantly with increasing the level of RPC supplementation. Live body weight and daily body gain of their suckling male and female kids at weaning increased significantly with increasing RPC levels in the diets of their mothers. © 2017 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Preliminary assessment of pavement damage due to heavier loads on Louisiana highways.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-05-01

The current study makes a preliminary assessment of the impact of increasing the gross vehicle weight (GVW) from current legal limits to 100,000 lb (45,360 kg) on vehicles hauling sugarcane, rice, timber, and cotton. Sample sections of road in each a...

Effect of soil sieving on respiration induced by low-molecular-weight substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Datta, Rahul; Vranová, Valerie; Pavelka, Marian; Rejšek, Klement; Formánek, Pavel

2014-03-01

The mesh size of sieves has a significant impact upon soil disturbance, affecting pore structure, fungal hyphae, proportion of fungi to bacteria, and organic matter fractions. The effects are dependent upon soil type and plant coverage. Sieving through a 2 mm mesh increases mineralization of exogenously supplied carbohydrates and phenolics compared to a 5 mm mesh and the effect is significant (p<0.05), especially in organic horizons, due to increased microbial metabolism and alteration of other soil properties. Finer mesh size particularly increases arabinose, mannose, galactose, ferulic and pthalic acid metabolism, whereas maltose mineralization is less affected. Sieving through a 5 mm mesh size is suggested for all type of experiments where enhanced mineralization of low-molecular-weight organic compounds needs to be minimalized.

Influence of jute (Corchorus olitorius) seed protein enriched diet on some enzymes and liver lipids of albino rats (Rattus norvegicus).

PubMed

Laskar, S; Majumdar, S G; Basak, B; Dey, C D

1986-01-01

The effect of protein, isolated from Jute (Corchorus olitorius) seed was studied upon albino rats with respect to some of their serum, liver and intestinal enzymes and liver lipids. An increase in the body weight (including the weight of the liver) was noted in test animals after feeding with a Jute seed protein enriched diet. It was also observed that AST, ALT and total lipid of liver increased significantly whereas AST and ALT of serum were decreased. An increase in the concentration of lipids in the liver was found and this may be due to excess of the seed protein in the diet. An overall observation reveals that there is slight fatty infiltration in the liver of test animals.

Perceived racism in relation to weight change in the Black Women's Health Study.

PubMed

Cozier, Yvette C; Wise, Lauren A; Palmer, Julie R; Rosenberg, Lynn

2009-06-01

Obesity is more common in black women than in white women. Racial discrimination is a form of chronic stress that may influence weight. We assessed the association of perceived racism with weight change between 1997 and 2005 in 43,103 women from the Black Women's Health Study, a prospective follow-up of U.S. black women aged 21-69 years at entry in 1995. Eight questions about perceptions and experiences of racism were asked in 1997 from which two summary variables were created: everyday racism (e.g., how often do people act "as if you are not intelligent?"), and lifetime racism (e.g., unfair treatment due to race "on the job"). Mixed linear regression models were used to calculate the multivariate adjusted means for changes in body weight across categories of perceived racism. Weight gain increased as levels of everyday and lifetime racism increased. The mean multivariable-adjusted difference in weight change between the highest and the lowest quartile of everyday racism was 0.56 kg. The mean difference comparing the highest category of lifetime racism to the lowest was 0.48 kg. These prospective data suggest that experiences of racism may contribute to the excess burden of obesity in U.S. black women.

Chronic Hyperinsulinaemic Hypoglycaemia in Rats Is Accompanied by Increased Body Weight, Hyperleptinaemia, and Decreased Neuronal Glucose Transporter Levels in the Brain.

PubMed

Jensen, Vivi F H; Mølck, Anne-Marie; Chapman, Melissa; Alifrangis, Lene; Andersen, Lene; Lykkesfeldt, Jens; Bøgh, Ingrid B

2017-01-01

The brain is vulnerable to hypoglycaemia due to a continuous need of energy substrates to meet its high metabolic demands. Studies have shown that severe acute insulin-induced hypoglycaemia results in oxidative stress in the rat brain, when neuroglycopenia cannot be evaded despite increased levels of cerebral glucose transporters. Compensatory measures in the brain during chronic insulin-induced hypoglycaemia are less well understood. The present study investigated how the brain of nondiabetic rats copes with chronic insulin-induced hypoglycaemia for up to eight weeks. Brain level of different substrate transporters and redox homeostasis was evaluated. Hyperinsulinaemia for 8 weeks consistently lowered blood glucose levels by 30-50% (4-6 mM versus 7-9 mM in controls). The animals had increased food consumption, body weights, and hyperleptinaemia. During infusion, protein levels of the brain neuronal glucose transporter were decreased, whereas levels of lipid peroxidation products were unchanged. Discontinued infusion was followed by transient systemic hyperglycaemia and decreased food consumption and body weight. After 4 weeks, plasma levels of lipid peroxidation products were increased, possibly as a consequence of hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress. The present data suggests that chronic moderate hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia causes increased body weight and hyperleptinaemia. This is accompanied by decreased neuronal glucose transporter levels, which may be leptin-induced.

Output power fluctuations due to different weights of macro particles used in particle-in-cell simulations of Cerenkov devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bao, Rong; Li, Yongdong; Liu, Chunliang

2016-07-15

The output power fluctuations caused by weights of macro particles used in particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations of a backward wave oscillator and a travelling wave tube are statistically analyzed. It is found that the velocities of electrons passed a specific slow-wave structure form a specific electron velocity distribution. The electron velocity distribution obtained in PIC simulation with a relative small weight of macro particles is considered as an initial distribution. By analyzing this initial distribution with a statistical method, the estimations of the output power fluctuations caused by different weights of macro particles are obtained. The statistical method is verified bymore » comparing the estimations with the simulation results. The fluctuations become stronger with increasing weight of macro particles, which can also be determined reversely from estimations of the output power fluctuations. With the weights of macro particles optimized by the statistical method, the output power fluctuations in PIC simulations are relatively small and acceptable.« less

Economic weights of somatic cell score in dairy sheep.

PubMed

Legarra, A; Ramón, M; Ugarte, E; Pérez-Guzmán, M D; Arranz, J

2007-03-01

The economic weights for somatic cell score (SCS) have been calculated using profit functions. Economic data were collected in the Latxa breed. Three aspects have been considered: bulk tank milk payment, veterinary treatments due to high SCS, and culling. All of them are non-linear profit functions. Milk payment is based on the sum of the log-normal distributions of somatic cell count, and veterinary treatments on the probability of subclinical mastitis, which is inferred when individual SCS surpass some threshold. Both functions lead to non-standard distributions. The derivatives of the profit function were computed numerically. Culling was computed by assuming that a conceptual trait culled by mastitis (CBM) is genetically correlated to SCS. The economic weight considers the increase in the breeding value of CBM correlated to an increase in the breeding value of SCS, assuming genetic correlations ranging from 0 to 0.9. The relevance of the economic weights for selection purposes was checked by the estimation of genetic gains for milk yield and SCS under several scenarios of genetic parameters and economic weights. The overall economic weights for SCS range from - 2.6 to - 9.5 € per point of SCS, with an average of - 4 € per point of SCS, depending on the expected average SCS of the flock. The economic weight is higher around the thresholds for payment policies. Economic weights did not change greatly with other assumptions. The estimated genetic gains with economic weights of 0.83 € per l of milk yield and - 4 € per point of SCS, assuming a genetic correlation of - 0.30, were 3.85 l and - 0.031 SCS per year, with an associated increase in profit of 3.32 €. This represents a very small increase in profit (about 1%) relative to selecting only for milk yield. Other situations (increased economic weights, different genetic correlations) produced similar genetic gains and changes in profit. A desired-gains index reduced the increase in profit by 3%, although it could be greater depending on the genetic parameters. It is concluded that the inclusion of SCS in dairy sheep breeding programs is of low economic relevance and recommended only if recording is inexpensive or for animal welfare concerns.

Effect of simulated climate warming on the morphological and physiological traits of Elsholtzia haichowensis in copper contaminated soil.

PubMed

Guan, Ming; Jin, Zexin; Li, Junmin; Pan, Xiaocui; Wang, Suizi; Li, Yuelin

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature and Cu on the morphological and physiological traits of Elsholtzia haichowensis grown in soils amended with four Cu concentrations (0, 50, 500, and 1000 mg kg(-1)) under ambient temperature and slight warming. At the same Cu concentration, the height, shoot dry weight, total plant dry weight, and root morphological parameters such as length, surface area and tip number of E. haichowensis increased due to the slight warming. The net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration, light use efficiency were also higher under the slight warming than under ambient temperature. The increased Cu concentrations, total Cu uptake, bioaccumulation factors and tolerance indexes of shoots and roots were also observed at the slight warming. The shoot dry weight, root dry weight, total plant dry weight and the bioaccumulation factors of shoots and roots at 50 mg Cu kg(-1) were significantly higher than those at 500 and 1000 mg Cu kg(-1) under the slight warming. Therefore, the climate warming may improve the ability of E. haichowensis to phytoremediate Cu-contaminated soil, and the ability improvement greatly depended on the Cu concentrations in soils.

Overexpression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 in the arcuate nucleus of juvenile Phodopus sungorus alters seasonal body weight changes.

PubMed

Ganjam, Goutham K; Benzler, Jonas; Pinkenburg, Olaf; Boucsein, Alisa; Stöhr, Sigrid; Steger, Juliane; Culmsee, Carsten; Barrett, Perry; Tups, Alexander

2013-12-01

The profound seasonal cycle in body weight exhibited by the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) is associated with the development of hypothalamic leptin resistance during long day photoperiod (LD, 16:8 h light dark cycle), when body weight is elevated relative to short day photoperiod (SD, 8:16 h light dark cycle). We previously have shown that this seasonal change in physiology is associated with higher levels of mRNA for the potent inhibitor of leptin signaling, suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3), in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of LD hamsters relative to hamsters in SD. The alteration in SOCS3 gene expression preceded the body weight change suggesting that SOCS3 might be the molecular switch of seasonal body weight changes. To functionally characterize the role of SOCS3 in seasonal body weight regulation, we injected SOCS3 expressing recombinant adeno-associated virus type-2 (rAAV2-SOCS3) constructs into the ARC of leptin sensitive SD hamsters immediately after weaning. Hamsters that received rAAV2 expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (rAAV2-EGFP) served as controls. ARC-directed SOCS3 overexpression led to a significant increase in body weight over a period of 12 weeks without fully restoring the LD phenotype. This increase was partially due to elevated brown and white adipose tissue mass. Gene expression of pro-opiomelanocortin was increased while thyroid hormone converting enzyme DIO3 mRNA levels were reduced in SD hamsters with SOCS3 overexpression. In conclusion, our data suggest that ARC-directed SOCS3 overexpression partially overcomes the profound seasonal body weight cycle exhibited by the hamster which is associated with altered pro-opiomelanocortin and DIO3 gene expression.

The puzzle of self-reported weight gain in a month of fasting (Ramadan) among a cohort of Saudi families in Jeddah, Western Saudi Arabia.

PubMed

Bakhotmah, Balkees Abed

2011-08-10

During Ramadan fast, approximately one billion Muslims abstain from food and fluid between the hours of sunrise to sunset, and usually eat a large meal after sunset and another meal before sunrise. Many studies reported good health-related outcomes of fasting including weight loss. The objective of this study is to identify the local pattern of expenditure on food consumption, dietary habits during Ramadan and correlate that to self-reported weight gain after Ramadan in a group of families in Jeddah, Western Saudi Arabia. A Cross-section study using a pre-designed questionnaire to identify the local pattern of expenditure on food consumption, dietary habits during Ramadan and correlate that to self-reported weight gain after Ramadan in a representative cohort of Saudis living in Jeddah. It was piloted on 173 nutrition students and administered by them to their families. A total of 173 Saudi families were interviewed. One out of 5 indicated that their expenditure increases during Ramadan. Approximately two thirds of the respondents (59.5%) reported weight gain after Ramadan. When asked about their perspective explanations for that: 40% attributed that to types of foods being rich in fat and carbohydrates particularly date in (Sunset meal) 97.7% and rice in (Dawn meal) 80.9%. One third (31.2%) indicated that it was due to relative lack of physical exercise in Ramadan and 14.5% referred that to increase in food consumption. Two thirds (65.2%) of those with increased expenditure reported weight gain. Surprisingly weight gain and not weight loss was reported after Ramadan by Saudis which indicates timely needed life-style and dietary modification programs for a population which reports one of the highest prevalence rates of diabetes.

The obesity paradox: An analysis of pre-procedure weight trajectory on survival outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

PubMed

De Palma, Rodney; Ivarsson, John; Feldt, Kari; Saleh, Nawzad; Ruck, Andreas; Linder, Rikard; Settergren, Magnus

Increased mortality has been observed in those with cardiovascular diseases who are of normal body mass index (BMI) compared to the overweight and the obese. A similar association has been demonstrated in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve (TAVI) implantation. However, it still remains unclear whether low or normal BMI itself is unfavourable or whether this is merely a reflection of cardiac cachexia due to severe aortic stenosis. The hypothesis for the study was that weight change prior to TAVI may be associated with increased mortality following the procedure. Single centre retrospective analysis using the SWEDEHEART registry, national mortality statistics and local hospital database. Body mass index was used as the anthropomorphic measurement and patients grouped by WHO categories and weight change trajectory before and at TAVI. Kaplan-Meier survival was constructed and a Cox proportional hazard model used to evaluate predictors of outcome. Consecutive data on 493 patients with three year follow-up between 2008-2015 were evaluated. Overweight and obese body mass index categories (BMI>25) were associated with improved mortality compared to normal and underweight patients (BMI<25) (log rank p=0.02), hazard ratio of 0.68 (0.50-0.93). Weight loss trajectory was associated with increased mortality compared to stable weight (log rank p=0.01), hazard ratio 1.64 p=0.025. The pre-procedural weight trajectory of patients undergoing TAVI is an important predictor of clinical outcome after TAVI. Patients with stable weight trajectories are associated with improved mortality outcome compared to those with decreasing weight. Copyright © 2017 Asia Oceania Association for the Study of Obesity. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In situ adaptive response to climate and habitat quality variation: spatial and temporal variation in European badger (Meles meles) body weight.

PubMed

Byrne, Andrew W; Fogarty, Ursula; O'Keeffe, James; Newman, Chris

2015-09-01

Variation in climatic and habitat conditions can affect populations through a variety of mechanisms, and these relationships can act at different temporal and spatial scales. Using post-mortem badger body weight records from 15 878 individuals captured across the Republic of Ireland (7224 setts across ca. 15 000 km(2) ; 2009-2012), we employed a hierarchical multilevel mixed model to evaluate the effects of climate (rainfall and temperature) and habitat quality (landscape suitability), while controlling for local abundance (unique badgers caught/sett/year). Body weight was affected strongly by temperature across a number of temporal scales (preceding month or season), with badgers being heavier if preceding temperatures (particularly during winter/spring) were warmer than the long-term seasonal mean. There was less support for rainfall across different temporal scales, although badgers did exhibit heavier weights when greater rainfall occurred one or 2 months prior to capture. Badgers were also heavier in areas with higher landscape habitat quality, modulated by the number of individuals captured per sett, consistent with density-dependent effects reducing weights. Overall, the mean badger body weight of culled individuals rose during the study period (2009-2012), more so for males than for females. With predicted increases in temperature, and rainfall, augmented by ongoing agricultural land conversion in this region, we project heavier individual badger body weights in the future. Increased body weight has been associated with higher fecundity, recruitment and survival rates in badgers, due to improved food availability and energetic budgets. We thus predict that climate change could increase the badger population across the Republic of Ireland. Nevertheless, we emphasize that, locally, populations could still be vulnerable to extreme weather variability coupled with detrimental agricultural practice, including population management. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[Nutritional assessment and perioperative nutritional support in gastric cancer patients].

PubMed

Seo, Kyung Won; Yoon, Ki Young

2013-04-01

Weight loss and malnutrition are common in cancer patients. Although weight loss is predominantly due to loss of fat mass, the morbidity risk is given by the decrease in muscle mass. The assessment of nutritional status is essential for a diagnosis of nutritional compromise and required for the multidisciplinary approach. Subjective global assessment (SGA) is made by the patients nutritional symptoms and weight loss. The objective assessment, a significant weight loss (>10%) for 6 months is considered an indicator of nutritional deficiency. The mean body index, body fat mass and body protein mass are decreased as cancer stage increases. The biochemical data of albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride, Zn, transferrin, total lymphocyte count are decreased in advanced cancer stage. Daily energy intake, cabohyderate and Vit B1 intake is decreased according to cancer stage. The patients are divided into three groups according to SGA. The three groups showed a significant difference in body weight, 1 month weight loss%, 6 month weight loss%, body mass index, mid arm circumference, albumin, energy intake, as well as carbohyderate intake protein and energy malnutrition. Nutritional assessment is of great importance because undernutrition has been shown to be associated with increase in stomach cancer associated morbidity and mortality. The authors concluded that nutritional assessment should be done in cancer patients preoperatively, and with adequate nutritional support, the morbidity and mortality would be decreased.

Fruit weight is controlled by Cell Size Regulator encoding a novel protein that is expressed in maturing tomato fruits

PubMed Central

Chakrabarti, Manohar; Liu, Xiaoxi; Wang, Yanping; Ramos, Alexis

2017-01-01

Increases in fruit weight of cultivated vegetables and fruits accompanied the domestication of these crops. Here we report on the positional cloning of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling fruit weight in tomato. The derived allele of Cell Size Regulator (CSR-D) increases fruit weight predominantly through enlargement of the pericarp areas. The expanded pericarp tissues result from increased mesocarp cell size and not from increased number of cell layers. The effect of CSR on fruit weight and cell size is found across different genetic backgrounds implying a consistent impact of the locus on the trait. In fruits, CSR expression is undetectable early in development from floral meristems to the rapid cell proliferation stage after anthesis. Expression is low but detectable in growing fruit tissues and in or around vascular bundles coinciding with the cell enlargement stage of the fruit maturation process. CSR encodes an uncharacterized protein whose clade has expanded in the Solanaceae family. The mutant allele is predicted to encode a shorter protein due to a 1.4 kb deletion resulting in a 194 amino-acid truncation. Co-expression analyses and GO term enrichment analyses suggest association of CSR with cell differentiation in fruit tissues and vascular bundles. The derived allele arose in Solanum lycopersicum var cerasiforme and appears completely fixed in many cultivated tomato’s market classes. This finding suggests that the selection of this allele was critical to the full domestication of tomato from its intermediate ancestors. PMID:28817560

Changes in body composition after spasticity treatment with intrathecal baclofen.

PubMed

Skogberg, Olle; Samuelsson, Kersti; Ertzgaard, Per; Levi, Richard

2017-01-19

To assess changes in body composition, body weight and resting metabolic rate in patients who received intrathecal baclofen therapy for spasticity. Prospective, longitudinal, quasi-experimental, with a pre/post design. Twelve patients with spasticity, fulfilling study criteria, and due for pump implantation for intrathecal baclofen therapy, completed the study. Data were obtained before, 6 months and 12 months after commencement of intrathecal baclofen therapy as regards body composition (by skinfold calliper), body weight, and resting metabolic rate (by resting oxygen consumption). Spasticity was assessed according to the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Penn Spasm Frequency Scale (PSFS). A reduction in spasticity according to MAS occurred. Mean fat body mass increased and mean lean body mass decreased. Mean body weight showed a non-significant increase and resting metabolic rate a non-significant decrease. This explorative study indicates that unfavourable changes in body composition might occur after intrathecal baclofen therapy. Since obesity and increased fat body mass contribute to an increased cardiovascular risk, these findings may indicate a need for initiation of countermeasures, e.g. increased physical activity and/or dietary measures, in conjunction with intrathecal baclofen therapy. Further studies, including larger study samples and control groups, are needed to corroborate these findings.

UV radiation impacts body weight, oxygen consumption, and shelter selection in the intertidal vertebrate Girella laevifrons.

PubMed

Pulgar, José; Waldisperg, Melany; Galbán-Malagón, Cristóbal; Maturana, Diego; Pulgar, Victor M; Aldana, Marcela

2017-02-01

The amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the earth's surface has increased due to ozone layer depletion, and this fact represents an opportunity to evaluate the physiological and behavioral responses of animals to this global-scale stressor. The transitory fish Girella laevifrons inhabits pools in the upper intertidal zone, which is characterized by exposure to a wide range of stressors, including UV radiation. We documented the field magnitude and the impact of UV radiation on oxygen consumption, body mass variations, and shelter (rocky and algae) selection by G. laevifrons. UV-exposed animals showed increased oxygen consumption, slower body weight increase, and active rocky shelter selection. Control fish showed increased body weight and no evident shelter selection. The results indicated that UV exposure affects fish energetic balance and habitat selection to favor greater protection against radiation. Increased UV exposure in transitory intertidal animals at levels observed in upper intertidal pools may alter the residency time of fish before leaving for the subtidal zone. Therefore, UV-induced energetic changes may determine animal performance and ontogenetic physiological itineraries, whereas shelter quality might determine habitat use. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Using on-site liver 3-D reconstruction and volumetric calculations in split liver transplantation.

PubMed

Reichman, Trevor W; Fiorello, Brittany; Carmody, Ian; Bohorquez, Humberto; Cohen, Ari; Seal, John; Bruce, David; Loss, George E

2016-12-01

Split liver transplantation increases the number of grafts available for transplantation. Pre-recovery assessment of liver graft volume is essential for selecting suitable recipients. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability and feasibility of constructing a 3-D model to aid in surgical planning and to predict graft weight prior to an in situ division of the donor liver. Over 11 months, 3-D volumetric reconstruction of 4 deceased donors was performed using Pathfinder Scout© liver volumetric software. Demographic, laboratory, operative, perioperative and survival data for these patients along with donor demographic data were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. The average predicted weight of the grafts from the adult donors obtained from an in situ split procedure were 1130 g (930-1458 g) for the extended right lobe donors and 312 g (222-396 g) for left lateral segment grafts. Actual adult graft weight was 92% of the predicted weight for both the extended right grafts and the left lateral segment grafts. The predicted and actual graft weights for the pediatric donors were 176 g and 210 g for the left lateral segment grafts and 308 g and 280 g for the extended right lobe grafts, respectively. All grafts were transplanted except for the right lobe from the pediatric donors due to the small graft weight. On-site volumetric assessment of donors provides useful information for the planning of an in situ split and for selection of recipients. This information may expand the donor pool to recipients previously felt to be unsuitable due to donor and/or recipient weight.

Monosodium glutamate versus diet induced obesity in pregnant rats and their offspring.

PubMed

Afifi, M M; Abbas, Amr M

2011-06-01

We aim at determining the role of monosodium glutamate (MSG) compared with high caloric chow(HCC) in development of obesity in pregnant rats and their offspring. Ninety pregnant rats were divided into 3 groups, control, MSG and HCC fed. We determined energy intake, body weight (BW), abdominal fat, fat to body weight ratio, serum glucose, insulin, leptin, lipid profile, ob and leptin receptor-b gene expressions in pregnant rats and ob and leptin receptor-b gene expressions, serum insulin,glucose, leptin, triacylglycerides (TAG), total lipids (TL) and BW in offspring. Although daily energy intake and BW of MSG treated rats were lower than those of HCC fed rats, their abdominal fat and fat body weight ratio were higher. MSG or HCC increased Ob gene expression, leptin, insulin,LDL, cholesterol, total lipids (TL), glucose and decreased leptin receptor-b gene expression. In offspring of MSG treated rats, BW, serum glucose, insulin, leptin, TAG, TL and Ob gene expression increased and leptin receptor-b gene expression decreased whereas in offspring of HCC fed rats, serum insulin, leptin, Ob and leptin receptor-b gene expression increased but serum glucose, TAG, TL or BW did not change. We conclude that in pregnant rats, MSG, in spite of mild hypophagia, caused severe increase in fat body weight ratio, via leptin resistance, whereas, HCC increased BW and fat body weight ratio, due to hyperphagia with consequent leptin resistance. Moreover, maternal obesity in pregnancy, caused by MSG, has greater impact on offspring metabolism and BW than that induced by HCC.

Bone, body weight, and weight reduction: what are the concerns?

PubMed

Shapses, Sue A; Riedt, Claudia S

2006-06-01

Of the U.S. population, 65% is either overweight or obese, and weight loss is recommended to reduce co-morbid conditions. However, bone mobilization and loss may also occur with weight loss. The risk for bone loss depends on initial body weight, age, gender, physical activity, and conditions of dieting such as the extent of energy restriction and specific levels of nutrient intake. Older populations are more prone to bone loss with weight loss; in women, this is due at least in part to a reduced dietary Ca intake and/or efficiency of absorption. Potential hormonal mechanisms regulating bone loss during weight loss are discussed, including decreases in estrogen, leptin, glucagon-like peptide-2, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1, or an increase in cortisol. In contrast, the rise in adiponectin and ghrelin with weight reduction should not be detrimental to bone. Combining energy restriction with exercise does not necessarily prevent bone loss, but may attenuate loss as was shown with additional Ca intake or osteoporosis medications. Future controlled weight loss trials should be designed to further address mechanisms influencing the density and quality of bone sites vulnerable to fracture, in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Friction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuo, Yoshihiro; Clarke, Daryl D.; Ozeki, Shinichi

Friction materials such as disk pads, brake linings, and clutch facings are widely used for automotive applications. Friction materials function during braking due to frictional resistance that transforms kinetic energy into thermal energy. There has been a rudimentary evolution, from materials like leather or wood to asbestos fabric or asbestos fabric saturated with various resins such as asphalt or resin combined with pitch. These efforts were further developed by the use of woven asbestos material saturated by either rubber solution or liquid resin binder and functioned as an internal expanding brake, similar to brake lining system. The role of asbestos continued through the use of chopped asbestos saturated by rubber, but none was entirely successful due to the poor rubber heat resistance required for increased speeds and heavy gearing demands of the automobile industry. The use of phenolic resins as binder for asbestos friction materials provided the necessary thermal resistance and performance characteristics. Thus, the utility of asbestos as the main friction component, for over 100 years, has been significantly reduced in friction materials due to asbestos identity as a carcinogen. Steel and other fibrous components have displaced asbestos in disk pads. Currently, non-asbestos organics are the predominate friction material. Phenolic resins continue to be the preferred binder, and increased amounts are necessary to meet the requirements of highly functional asbestos-free disk pads for the automotive industry. With annual automobile production exceeding 70 million vehicles and additional automobile production occurring in developing countries worldwide and increasing yearly, the amount of phenolic resin for friction material is also increasing (Fig. 14.1). Fig. 14.1 Worldwide commercial vehicle production In recent years, increased fuel efficiency of passenger car is required due to the CO2 emission issue. One of the solutions to improve fuel efficiency is to lower the car body weight. It means that the weight of car components must be decreased. In the case of reduced weight for friction parts, the load applied to the friction parts would be higher (more heat also) and trend would lead to phenolic resins with improved heat resistance.

Distribution center and retail conditions affect the sensory and compositional quality of bulk and packaged slicing cucumbers

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

During distribution and retail display, fruits and vegetables are often exposed to undesirable temperature and humidity conditions which often result in increased waste due to weight loss and objectionable appearance. Unwaxed fresh-market slicing cucumbers (cv. Calypso) were harvested from a commerc...

Preliminary assessment of pavement damage due to heavier loads on Louisiana highways : technical summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-05-01

The principal objective of this study is to provide a preliminary assessment of the effect of increasing the gross vehicle weight (GVW) on Louisiana type 2 and type 6 vehicles as allowed by special permits, on pavement costs to rehabilitate the damag...

Rehabilitation and nutritional support for sarcopenic dysphagia and tongue atrophy after glossectomy: A case report.

PubMed

Hashida, Nao; Shamoto, Hiroshi; Maeda, Keisuke; Wakabayashi, Hidetaka; Suzuki, Motoyuki; Fujii, Takashi

2017-03-01

Swallowing dysfunction is related to long-term weight loss and reduced body mass index in patients with head and neck cancer. We describe a 76-y-old woman who had severe sarcopenic dysphagia and atrophy of the reconstructed tongue for 17 mo after subtotal glossectomy due to tongue cancer and lost 14 kg during that period. Upon admission, the patient received diagnoses of malnutrition in the context of social or environmental circumstances with insufficient energy intake, loss of muscle mass, localized fluid accumulation, weight loss, and sarcopenia due to reduced skeletal muscle mass (skeletal muscle index <3.95 cm 2 /m 2 ) and low walking speed (<0.8 m/s). She was not able to eat anything and had a functional oral intake scale level of 1 and penetration-aspiration scale score of 7 points on video fluorography. We increased the nutritional intake to 1900 kcal/d and protein intake to 70.3 g/d by supplying sufficient excess energy, and provided physical therapy and dysphagia rehabilitation to improve sarcopenia, atrophy of the reconstructed tongue, and dysphagia. After 20 mo of treatment, she was considered to be no longer malnourished (11 kg weight gain) and without sarcopenia (skeletal muscle index 4.01 cm 2 /m 2 ), and the volume of the reconstructed tongue was increased. Sarcopenia and atrophy of the reconstructed tongue may cause dysphagia after glossectomy due to tongue cancer. Additionally, nutritional support and rehabilitation could improve such dysphagia. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Results of nutritional intervention in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis].

PubMed

Gaspar, Maria Cristina A; Chiba, Sônia M; Gomes, Clóvis E T; Juliano, Yara; Novo, Neil F; Ancona-Lopez, Fabio

2002-01-01

Few studies have verified longitudinally the evolution of the nutritional status of patients with cystic fibrosis. The objective of this study is to follow the evolution of the nutritional status, body composition and energy consumption, macronutrients and micronutrients ingested by children and adolescents by means of nutritional interventions at the Clinic of Cystic Fibrosis/Pediatric Pneumology of the Department of Pediatrics of Universidade Federal de São Paulo. 18 patients were involved in this study, thirteen males and five females with ages ranging from 0.3 to 18.4 years. We performed three evaluations: evaluation 1 (M1--prenutritional intervention), M2 after 6 months, and M3 after 12 months. In these three instances we verified: the z score for weight/age, weight/height and height/age and the calculation of a 3-day diet record. We verified the body composition (anthropometry) in M1 and M3. The nutritional interventions were hypercaloric, hyperproteic, with adequate amount of ingested macronutrients and micronutrients. We observed an increase in the z score for height/age (M1=-1.07; M2=-0.69; M3=-0.50) and fat-free mass after the nutritional interventions, without improvement in the z score for weight/height and fat mass. We verified an increase in the energy intake during M2 (139%) and M3 (132%) compared to M1 (106%). Remarkable increase in the intake of protein, calcium, iron and vitamin C by the patients was found. The occurrence of anemia was found in 44% (8/18) of the patients. The improvement of the z score in height/age and fat-free mass was probably due to the increase in energy consumption after the nutritional intervention. A significant improvement in the z score for weight/height and fat mass was not found, probably due to a gain in height and fat-free mass.

Propeller performance and weight predictions appended to the Navy/NASA engine program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plencner, R. M.; Senty, P.; Wickenheiser, T. J.

1983-01-01

The Navy/NASA Engine Performance (NNEP) is a general purpose computer program currently employed by government, industry and university personnel to simulate the thermodynamic cycles of turbine engines. NNEP is a modular program which has the ability to evaluate the performance of an arbitrary engine configuration defined by the user. In 1979, a program to calculate engine weight (WATE-2) was developed by Boeing's Military Division under NASA contract. This program uses a preliminary design approach to determine engine weights and dimensions. Because the thermodynamic and configuration information required by the weight code was available in NNEP, the weight code was appended to NNEP. Due to increased emphasis on fuel economy, a renewed interest has developed in propellers. This report describes the modifications developed by NASA to both NNEP and WATE-2 to determine the performance, weight and dimensions of propellers and the corresponding gearbox. The propeller performance model has three options, two of which are based on propeller map interpolation. Propeller and gearbox weights are obtained from empirical equations which may easily be modified by the user.

Embryo reduction versus expectant management in triplet pregnancies.

PubMed

Antsaklis, A; Souka, A P; Daskalakis, G; Papantoniou, N; Koutra, P; Kavalakis, Y; Mesogitis, S

2004-10-01

In triplet pregnancies, to compare pregnancy outcome of expectant management with that after embryo reduction to twins. Retrospective study of 255 trichorionic triplet pregnancies, of which 185 had embryo reduction to twins (reduced group) and 70 were managed expectantly (non-reduced group). Median birth weight was higher by about 500 g and gestation prolonged by about 3 weeks in the reduced pregnancies compared with the expectantly managed pregnancies (2300 vs. 1760 g; 36 vs. 33 weeks). The rates of preterm delivery were significantly lower in the reduced group (11.17 vs. 36.76% for delivery at < or = 32 weeks and 40.58 vs. 83.82% for delivery at < or = 35 weeks, reduced vs. non-reduced group). The percentage of infants born with low birth weight was significantly higher in the expectantly managed triplets (10.98 vs. 28.44% for birth weight < or = 1500 g and 68.55 vs. 92.89% for birth weight < or = 2500 g, reduced vs. non-reduced group). Total fetal loss was significantly higher in the reduced group than in the non-reduced group (15.41 and 4.76%, respectively) and the difference was mainly due to the higher miscarriage rate in the reduced group (8.11 vs. 2.86% in the non-reduced group). With the expected rates of handicap in preterm infants, we would anticipate 0.63% of severely handicapped children due to extreme prematurity in the reduced group and 1.64% in the non-reduced group. In triplet pregnancies, embryo reduction to twins significantly reduces the risk of severe preterm delivery and very low birth weight by about one-third, at the expense of a significant increase in total fetal loss, by about one-quarter. The procedure is likely to reduce the risk of having a severely handicapped child due to extreme prematurity.

Motivational interviewing fails to improve outcomes of a behavioral weight loss program for obese African American women: a pilot randomized trial.

PubMed

Befort, Christie A; Nollen, Nicole; Ellerbeck, Edward F; Sullivan, Debra K; Thomas, Janet L; Ahluwalia, Jasjit S

2008-10-01

Compared to other racial/ethnic groups, African American (AA) women are more likely to be obese but less likely to participate in weight loss interventions or to successfully lose weight. Sustained motivation for weight loss may be especially difficult for AA women due to socioeconomic and cultural factors. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the addition of motivational interviewing (MI) to a culturally-targeted behavioral weight loss program for AA women improved adherence to the program, diet and physical activity behaviors, and weight loss outcomes. Forty-four obese (mean BMI = 39.4, SD = 7.1) AA women were randomized to receive a 16-week behavioral weight loss program plus four MI sessions, or the same behavioral weight loss program plus four health education (HE; attention control) sessions. Results showed that participants in both MI and HE conditions lost a significant amount of weight, reduced their energy intake and percent calories from fat, and increased their fruit and vegetable consumption (ps < .05). However, adherence to the behavioral weight loss program and changes in diet, physical activity, and weight did not differ across MI and HE conditions. Future research is warranted to determine the subpopulations with which MI is most effective.

Dietary fat and weight gain among women in the Nurses' Health Study.

PubMed

Field, Alison E; Willett, Walter C; Lissner, Lauren; Colditz, Graham A

2007-04-01

To assess the association of dietary fat and weight gain among adult women and to investigate whether offspring of overweight parents have a greater predisposition to weight gain due to intake of dietary fat. This was an 8-year follow-up of 41,518 women in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), a population-based, prospective cohort. The women were 41 to 68 years of age, free of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes in 1986 when "baseline" weight and diet were assessed. Eight years later (1994), changes in weight and dietary intake were assessed. Linear regression models were used to relate change in weight to fat intake and change in fat intake, using the percentage of energy from carbohydrate as the comparison, adjusted for age, BMI in 1986, leisure time physical activity, time spent sitting, percent of calories from protein, and change in percentage of calories from protein. Overall, there was a weak positive association between total fat intake (beta=0.11) and weight gain. Increases in monosaturated and polyunsaturated fat were not associated with weight gain, but increases in animal fat, saturated fat, and trans fat had a positive association with weight change. There was not strong evidence of effect modification by parental weight status (p=0.7 to 0.8 for percentage of calories from total fat, animal fat, and vegetable fat); however, the associations were stronger among the overweight compared with leaner women (p<0.05 for percentage of calories from each type of fat). Among overweight women, for every one percentage increase in percentage of calories from trans fat, women gained an additional 2.3 lb (95% confidence interval, 1.80 to 2.86). Our results show that, overall, percent of calories from fat has only a weak positive association with weight gain; however, percentage of calories from animal, saturated, and trans fat has stronger associations. There was no clear evidence that the diet-weight gain association was stronger among offspring of overweight parents, but dietary fat was associated with greater weight gain among overweight women.

Single machine scheduling with slack due dates assignment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Weiguo; Hu, Xiangpei; Wang, Xuyin

2017-04-01

This paper considers a single machine scheduling problem in which each job is assigned an individual due date based on a common flow allowance (i.e. all jobs have slack due date). The goal is to find a sequence for jobs, together with a due date assignment, that minimizes a non-regular criterion comprising the total weighted absolute lateness value and common flow allowance cost, where the weight is a position-dependent weight. In order to solve this problem, an ? time algorithm is proposed. Some extensions of the problem are also shown.

Thermal and mechanical behaviour of sub micron sized fly ash reinforced polyester resin composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nantha Kumar, P.; Rajadurai, A.; Muthuramalingam, T.

2018-04-01

The utilization of particles reinforced resin matrix composites is being increased owing to its lower density and high strength to weight ratio. In the present study, an attempt has been made to synthesize fly ash particles reinforced polyester resin composite for engine cowling application. The thermal stability and mechanical behaviours such as hardness and flexural strength of the composite with 2, 3 and 4 weight % of reinforcement is studied and analyzed. The thermo gravimetric analysis indicates that the higher addition of reinforcement increases the decomposition temperature due to its refractory nature. It is also observed that the hardness increases with higher filler addition owing to the resistance of FA particles towards penetration. The flexural strength is found to increase up to the addition of 3% of FA particles, whereas the polyester resin composite prepared with 4% FA particles addition is observed to have low flexural strength owing to agglomeration of particles.

Effect of dehydration on erythropoiesis in mice - Relevance to the 'anemia' of space flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunn, C. D. R.

1978-01-01

Mice deprived of water for 24 h showed an increase in hematocrit and loss of body weight comparable to that seen in men during space flight. The increase in hematocrit was entirely due to a decrease in plasma volume and was associated with suppression of erythropoiesis, but with no significant change in the serum titer of a presumptive humoral regulator of erythropoiesis, Erythroid Stimulating Activity (ESA). Mice deprived of water for 24 h may be a useful model for the study of the early hematological effects of space flight. The suppression of erythropoiesis due to a relative erythrocytosis appears to be independent of ESA.

Detection of thermogenesis in rodents in response to anti-obesity drugs and genetic modification

PubMed Central

Arch, Jonathan R. S.; Trayhurn, Paul

2013-01-01

Many compounds and genetic manipulations are claimed to confer resistance to obesity in rodents by raising energy expenditure. Examples taken from recent and older literature, demonstrate that such claims are often based on measurements of energy expenditure after body composition has changed, and depend on comparisons of energy expenditure divided by body weight. This is misleading because white adipose tissue has less influence than lean tissue on energy expenditure. Application of this approach to human data would suggest that human obesity is usually due to a low metabolic rate, which is not an accepted view. Increased energy expenditure per animal is a surer way of demonstrating thermogenesis, but even then it is important to know whether this is due to altered body composition (repartitioning), or increased locomotor activity rather than thermogenesis per se. Regression analysis offers other approaches. The thermogenic response to some compounds has a rapid onset and so cannot be due to altered body composition. These compounds usually mimic or activate the sympathetic nervous system. Thermogenesis occurs in, but may not be confined to, brown adipose tissue. It should not be assumed that weight loss in response to these treatments is due to thermogenesis unless there is a sustained increase in 24-h energy expenditure. Thyroid hormones and fibroblast growth factor 21 also raise energy expenditure before they affect body composition. Some treatments and genetic modifications alter the diurnal rhythm of energy expenditure. It is important to establish whether this is due to altered locomotor activity or efficiency of locomotion. There are no good examples of compounds that do not affect short-term energy expenditure but have a delayed effect. How and under what conditions a genetic modification or compound increases energy expenditure influences the decision on whether to seek drugs for the target or take a candidate drug into clinical studies. PMID:23580228

MEAL PARAMETERS AND VAGAL GASTROINTESTINAL AFFERENTS IN MICE THAT EXPERIENCED EARLY POSTNATAL OVERNUTRITION

PubMed Central

Biddinger, Jessica E.; Fox, Edward A.

2010-01-01

Early postnatal overnutrition results in a predisposition to develop obesity due in part to hypothalamic and sympathetic dysfunction. Potential involvement of another major regulatory system component - the vagus nerve - has not been examined. Moreover, feeding disturbances have rarely been investigated prior to development of obesity when confounds due to obesity are minimized. To examine these issues, litters were culled on the day of birth to create small litters (SL; overnutrition), or normal-size litters (NL; normal nutrition). Body weight, fat pad weight, meal patterns, and vagal sensory duodenal innervation were compared between SL and NL adult mice prior to development of obesity. Meal patterns were studied 18 hour/day for 3 weeks using a balanced diet. Then vagal mechanoreceptors were labeled using anterograde transport of wheatgerm agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase injected into the nodose ganglion and their density and morphology were examined. Between postnatal day 1 and weaning, body weight of SL mice was greater than for NL mice. By young adulthood it was similar in both groups, whereas SL fat pad weight was greater in males, suggesting postnatal overnutrition produced a predisposition to obesity. SL mice exhibited increased food intake, decreased satiety ratio, and increased first meal rate (following mild food deprivation) compared to NL mice, suggesting postnatal overnutrition disrupted satiety. The density and structure of intestinal IGLEs appeared similar in SL and NL mice. Thus, although a vagal role cannot be excluded, our meal parameter and anatomical findings provided no evidence for significant postnatal overnutrition effects on vagal gastrointestinal afferents. PMID:20403369

Meal parameters and vagal gastrointestinal afferents in mice that experienced early postnatal overnutrition.

PubMed

Biddinger, Jessica E; Fox, Edward A

2010-08-04

Early postnatal overnutrition results in a predisposition to develop obesity due in part to hypothalamic and sympathetic dysfunction. Potential involvement of another major regulatory system component--the vagus nerve--has not been examined. Moreover, feeding disturbances have rarely been investigated prior to development of obesity when confounds due to obesity are minimized. To examine these issues, litters were culled on the day of birth to create small litters (SL; overnutrition), or normal size litters (NL; normal nutrition). Body weight, fat pad weight, meal patterns, and vagal sensory duodenal innervation were compared between SL and NL adult mice prior to development of obesity. Meal patterns were studied 18 h/day for 3 weeks using a balanced diet. Then vagal mechanoreceptors were labeled using anterograde transport of wheatgerm agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase injected into the nodose ganglion and their density and morphology were examined. Between postnatal day 1 and weaning, body weight of SL mice was greater than for NL mice. By young adulthood it was similar in both groups, whereas SL fat pad weight was greater in males, suggesting postnatal overnutrition produced a predisposition to obesity. SL mice exhibited increased food intake, decreased satiety ratio, and increased first meal rate (following mild food deprivation) compared to NL mice, suggesting postnatal overnutrition disrupted satiety. The density and structure of intestinal IGLEs appeared similar in SL and NL mice. Thus, although a vagal role cannot be excluded, our meal parameter and anatomical findings provided no evidence for significant postnatal overnutrition effects on vagal gastrointestinal afferents. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessing the physical loading of wearable computers.

PubMed

Knight, James F; Baber, Chris

2007-03-01

Wearable computers enable workers to interact with computer equipment in situations where previously they were unable. Attaching a computer to the body though has an unknown physical effect. This paper reports a methodology for addressing this, by assessing postural effects and the effect of added weight. Using the example of arm-mounted computers (AMCs), the paper shows that adopting a posture to interact with an AMC generates fatiguing levels of stress and a load of 0.54 kg results in increased level of stress and increased rate of fatigue. The paper shows that, due to poor postures adopted when wearing and interacting with computers and the weight of the device attached to the body, one possible outcome for prolonged exposure is the development of musculoskeletal disorders.

Prematurity and low weight at birth as new conditions predisposing to an increased cardiovascular risk.

PubMed

Mercuro, Giuseppe; Bassareo, Pier Paolo; Flore, Giovanna; Fanos, Vassilios; Dentamaro, Ilaria; Scicchitano, Pietro; Laforgia, Nicola; Ciccone, Marco Matteo

2013-04-01

Although the survival rate for preterm subjects has improved considerably, due to the progress in the field of perinatal medicine, preterm birth is frequently the cause underlying a series of notorious complications: morphological, neurological, ophthalmological, and renal alterations. In addition, it has recently been demonstrated how low gestational age and reduced foetal growth contribute towards an increased cardiovascular risk in preterm neonates. In fact, cardiovascular mortality is higher among former preterm adults than those born at term. This condition is referred to as cardiovascular perinatal programming. In the light of the above, an early, constant, and prolonged cardiological followup programme should be implemented in former preterm individuals. The aim of this paper was to perform a comprehensive literature review about two new emerging conditions predisposing to an increased cardiovascular risk: prematurity and low weight at birth.

Ghrelin treatment causes increased food intake and retention of lean body mass in a rat model of cancer cachexia.

PubMed

DeBoer, Mark D; Zhu, Xin Xia; Levasseur, Peter; Meguid, Michael M; Suzuki, Susumu; Inui, Akio; Taylor, John E; Halem, Heather A; Dong, Jesse Z; Datta, Rakesh; Culler, Michael D; Marks, Daniel L

2007-06-01

Cancer cachexia is a debilitating syndrome of anorexia and loss of lean body mass that accompanies many malignancies. Ghrelin is an orexigenic hormone with a short half-life that has been shown to improve food intake and weight gain in human and animal subjects with cancer cachexia. We used a rat model of cancer cachexia and administered human ghrelin and a synthetic ghrelin analog BIM-28131 via continuous infusion using sc osmotic minipumps. Tumor-implanted rats receiving human ghrelin or BIM-28131 exhibited a significant increase in food consumption and weight gain vs. saline-treated animals. We used dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans to show that the increased weight was due to maintenance of lean mass vs. a loss of lean mass in saline-treated animals. Also, BIM-28131 significantly limited the loss of fat mass normally observed in tumor-implanted rats. We further performed real-time PCR analysis of the hypothalami and brainstems and found that ghrelin-treated animals exhibited a significant increase in expression of orexigenic peptides agouti-related peptide and neuropeptide Y in the hypothalamus and a significant decrease in the expression of IL-1 receptor-I transcript in the hypothalamus and brainstem. We conclude that ghrelin and a synthetic ghrelin receptor agonist improve weight gain and lean body mass retention via effects involving orexigenic neuropeptides and antiinflammatory changes.

The association of indicators of fetal growth with visual acuity and hearing among conscripts.

PubMed

Olsen, J; Sørensen, H T; Steffensen, F H; Sabroe, S; Gillman, M W; Fischer, P; Rothman, K J

2001-03-01

Impaired fetal growth is associated with increased susceptibility to several chronic diseases. We studied the association between birth weight, indicators of disproportional fetal growth, and impaired visual acuity and hearing in 4,300 conscripts from a well-defined region in Denmark from August 1, 1993, to July 31, 1994. From the standard health examination for conscripts, we obtained data on sight based on the Snellen's chart and data on hearing acuity based on audiometry. By means of record linkage, we obtained data on outcomes for the conscripts at birth from the Medical Birth Registry. From this registry, we have data on birth weight, gestational age, and birth length that were recorded from existing computerized registers based on the records of midwives. A birth weight of less than 3,000 gm and a body mass index at birth of less than 3.4 were associated with reduced visual acuity and impaired hearing. The results could be due to fetal brain programming or due to confounding, by early birth trauma or other factors.

Automatic weight determination in nonlinear model predictive control of wind turbines using swarm optimization technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tofighi, Elham; Mahdizadeh, Amin

2016-09-01

This paper addresses the problem of automatic tuning of weighting coefficients for the nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) of wind turbines. The choice of weighting coefficients in NMPC is critical due to their explicit impact on efficiency of the wind turbine control. Classically, these weights are selected based on intuitive understanding of the system dynamics and control objectives. The empirical methods, however, may not yield optimal solutions especially when the number of parameters to be tuned and the nonlinearity of the system increase. In this paper, the problem of determining weighting coefficients for the cost function of the NMPC controller is formulated as a two-level optimization process in which the upper- level PSO-based optimization computes the weighting coefficients for the lower-level NMPC controller which generates control signals for the wind turbine. The proposed method is implemented to tune the weighting coefficients of a NMPC controller which drives the NREL 5-MW wind turbine. The results are compared with similar simulations for a manually tuned NMPC controller. Comparison verify the improved performance of the controller for weights computed with the PSO-based technique.

Review: long-term impact of bariatric surgery on body weight, comorbidities, and nutritional status.

PubMed

Shah, Meena; Simha, Vinaya; Garg, Abhimanyu

2006-11-01

The number of patients who undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and gastric banding (GB) surgeries has increased dramatically over the past decade, yet the long-term impact of these surgeries on body weight, comorbidities, and nutritional status remains unclear, as do the mechanisms of weight regain. The articles were found via PubMed searches. To review the impact of bariatric surgery on weight maintenance and comorbidities, only articles with a postoperative follow-up of 3 yr or longer were included. The articles on nutritional status had a follow-up of 12 months or longer. RYGB and GB surgeries lead to substantial weight loss in individuals with morbid obesity. However, significant weight regain occurs over the long term, and according to the only well-designed prospective controlled study, the improvement in comorbidities associated with weight loss mitigates in the long term on weight regain. There is some evidence from a retrospective study that RYGB surgery is associated with a modest decrease in long-term mortality. These results remain to be substantiated by well-designed, long-term, randomized and prospective controlled studies. The mechanisms that lead to weight regain need to be further examined and may include increase in energy intake due to enlargement of stoma and adaptive changes in the levels of gut and adipocyte hormones such as ghrelin and leptin, which regulate energy intake; decrease in physical activity; changes in energy expenditure; and other factors. In addition to weight regain, RYGB surgery is associated with frequent incidence of iron, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, and vitamin D deficiency, which requires regular supplementation and monitoring.

Pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain in Thai pregnant women as risks for low birth weight and macrosomia.

PubMed

Pongcharoen, Tippawan; Gowachirapant, Sueppong; Wecharak, Purisa; Sangket, Natnaree; Winichagoon, Pattanee

2016-12-01

Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) have been reported to be associated with pregnancy outcomes. Due to the nutrition transition in Thailand, the double burden of malnutrition is increasing and this may have negative consequences on birth outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG with the risks of low birth weight and macrosomia. We performed a secondary analysis of data obtained from an iodine supplementation trial in mildly iodine-deficient Thai pregnant women. Pre-pregnancy BMI was classified using the WHO classification. GWG was categorized using the IOM recommendation. Binary and multinomial logistic regressions were performed. Among 378 pregnant women, the prevalence of pre-pregnancy underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m2) and overweight (BMI>=25 kg/m2) were 17.2% and 14.3%, respectively. Normal weight women had the highest median GWG [15.0 (12.0, 19.0) kg] when compared to overweight women [13.2 (9.0, 16.3) kg]. Forty-one percent of women had excessive GWG, while 23% of women gained weight inadequately. Women with a high pre-pregnancy BMI had a 7-fold higher risk of having a macrosomic infant. Women who had excessive GWG were 8 times more likely to deliver a newborn with macrosomia. Both high pre-pregnancy maternal weight and excessive weight gain during pregnancy increase risk of infant macrosomia. Therefore, maintaining normal body weight before and throughout pregnancy should be recommended in order to reduce the risk of excessive infant birth weight and its associated complications.

Polymer-surfactant complex formation and its effect on turbulent wall shear stress.

PubMed

Suksamranchit, Siriluck; Sirivat, Anuvat; Jamieson, Alexander M

2006-02-01

Turbulent drag reduction in Couette flow was investigated in terms of a decrease in wall shear stress for aqueous solutions of a nonionic polymer, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), a cationic surfactant, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (HTAC), and their mixtures. Consistent with literature data, drag reduction was observed for PEO solutions above a critical molecular weight, 0.91 x 10(5) < Mc < 3.04 x 10(5) g/mol. Maximum drag reduction occurred at an optimum concentration, c(PEO)*, which scales inversely with molecular weight, and the % maximum drag reduction increases with molecular weight. For aqueous HTAC solutions, wall shear stress decreased with increasing HTAC concentration and leveled off at an optimum concentration, c(HTAC)*, comparable to the critical micelle concentration. For HTAC/PEO mixtures, the critical PEO molecular weight for drag reduction decreases, interpreted as due to an increase in hydrodynamic volume because of binding of HTAC micelles to PEO. Consistent with this interpretation, at fixed PEO concentration, maximum drag reduction was observed at an optimum HTAC concentration, c(HTAC/PEO)*, comparable to the maximum binding concentration, MBC. Also, with HTAC concentration fixed at the MBC, the optimum PEO concentration for drag reduction, c(PEO/HTAC)*, decreases relative to that, c(PEO)*, in the absence of HTAC.

Elevated CO2 affects shell dissolution rate but not calcification rate in a marine snail.

PubMed

Nienhuis, Sarah; Palmer, A Richard; Harley, Christopher D G

2010-08-22

As CO(2) levels increase in the atmosphere, so too do they in the sea. Although direct effects of moderately elevated CO(2) in sea water may be of little consequence, indirect effects may be profound. For example, lowered pH and calcium carbonate saturation states may influence both deposition and dissolution rates of mineralized skeletons in many marine organisms. The relative impact of elevated CO(2) on deposition and dissolution rates are not known for many large-bodied organisms. We therefore tested the effects of increased CO(2) levels--those forecast to occur in roughly 100 and 200 years--on both shell deposition rate and shell dissolution rate in a rocky intertidal snail, Nucella lamellosa. Shell weight gain per day in live snails decreased linearly with increasing CO(2) levels. However, this trend was paralleled by shell weight loss per day in empty shells, suggesting that these declines in shell weight gain observed in live snails were due to increased dissolution of existing shell material, rather than reduced production of new shell material. Ocean acidification may therefore have a greater effect on shell dissolution than on shell deposition, at least in temperate marine molluscs.

Tofogliflozin, a sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, attenuates body weight gain and fat accumulation in diabetic and obese animal models

PubMed Central

Suzuki, M; Takeda, M; Kito, A; Fukazawa, M; Yata, T; Yamamoto, M; Nagata, T; Fukuzawa, T; Yamane, M; Honda, K; Suzuki, Y; Kawabe, Y

2014-01-01

Objective: Tofogliflozin, a highly selective inhibitor of sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), induces urinary glucose excretion (UGE), improves hyperglycemia and reduces body weight in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). The mechanisms of tofogliflozin on body weight reduction were investigated in detail with obese and diabetic animal models. Methods: Diet-induced obese (DIO) rats and KKAy mice (a mouse model of diabetes with obesity) were fed diets containing tofogliflozin. Body weight, body composition, biochemical parameters and metabolic parameters were evaluated. Results: In DIO rats tofogliflozin was administered for 9 weeks, UGE was induced and body weight gain was attenuated. Body fat mass decreased without significant change in bone mass or lean body mass. Food consumption (FC) increased without change in energy expenditure, and deduced total calorie balance (deduced total calorie balance=FC−UGE−energy expenditure) decreased. Respiratory quotient (RQ) and plasma triglyceride (TG) level decreased, and plasma total ketone body (TKB) level increased. Moreover, plasma leptin level, adipocyte cell size and proportion of CD68-positive cells in mesenteric adipose tissue decreased. In KKAy mice, tofogliflozin was administered for 3 or 5 weeks, plasma glucose level and body weight gain decreased together with a reduction in liver weight and TG content without a reduction in body water content. Combination therapy with tofogliflozin and pioglitazone suppressed pioglitazone-induced body weight gain and reduced glycated hemoglobin level more effectively than monotherapy with either pioglitazone or tofogliflozin alone. Conclusion: Body weight reduction with tofogliflozin is mainly due to calorie loss with increased UGE. In addition, tofogliflozin also induces a metabolic shift from carbohydrate oxidation to fatty acid oxidation, which may lead to prevention of fat accumulation and inflammation in adipose tissue and liver. Tofogliflozin may have the potential to prevent obesity, hepatic steatosis and improve insulin resistance as well as hyperglycemia. PMID:25000147

Statistical review of US macronutrient consumption data, 1965-2011: Americans have been following dietary guidelines, coincident with the rise in obesity.

PubMed

Cohen, Evan; Cragg, Michael; deFonseka, Jehan; Hite, Adele; Rosenberg, Melanie; Zhou, Bin

2015-05-01

For almost 50 y, the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has measured the caloric consumption, and body heights and weights of Americans. The aim of this study was to determine, based on that data, how macronutrient consumption patterns and the weight and body mass index in the US adult population have evolved since the 1960s. We conducted the first comprehensive analysis of the NHANES data, documenting how macronutrient consumption patterns and the weight and body mass index in the US adult population have evolved since the 1960s. Americans in general have been following the nutrition advice that the American Heart Association and the US Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services have been issuing for more than 40 y: Consumption of fats has dropped from 45% to 34% with a corresponding increase in carbohydrate consumption from 39% to 51% of total caloric intake. In addition, from 1971 to 2011, average weight and body mass index have increased dramatically, with the percentage of overweight or obese Americans increasing from 42% in 1971 to 66% in 2011. Since 1971, the shift in macronutrient share from fat to carbohydrate is primarily due to an increase in absolute consumption of carbohydrate as opposed to a change in total fat consumption. General adherence to recommendations to reduce fat consumption has coincided with a substantial increase in obesity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

beta-Mannanase ameliorates viscosity-associated depression of growth in broiler chickens fed guar germ and hull fractions.

PubMed

Lee, J T; Bailey, C A; Cartwright, A L

2003-12-01

High concentrations of guar meal in broiler chicken diets reduce body weight and feed efficiency. The increased intestinal viscosity that is responsible for reduced measures of performance results from residual guar gum present in guar meal. Two experiments were designed to study the effects of 2 guar meal fractions at 3 different concentrations, germ (0, 5.0, and 7.5%) and hull (0, 2.5, and 5.0%), and the effectiveness of a beta-mannanase at three levels (0, 1x, and 4x; 1x = 1.09 x 10(5) units/ kg) on broiler growth and feed conversion. Growth and performance were measured as a function of intestinal viscosity. Addition of the germ fraction to rations did not reduce body weight, although feed conversion ratio was increased at 7.5% of the diet. Intestinal viscosity also increased significantly at this level. Enzyme addition significantly reduced intestinal viscosity. Due to an interaction that was present between hull and enzyme concentration, each treatment was compared separately. Inclusion of the hull fraction significantly reduced body weight at both levels of inclusion and increased feed conversion ratio at 5% inclusion. Addition of the enzyme significantly increased body weight and reduced feed conversion ratio in diets containing guar hull fractions. Supplementation of beta-mannanase to feeds containing either fraction of guar meal reduced intestinal viscosity and alleviated the deleterious effects associated with guar meal feeding.

Amniotic Fluid Arginine from Gestational Weeks 13 to 15 Is a Predictor of Birth Weight, Length, and Head Circumference.

PubMed

Bjørke-Jenssen, Astrid; Ueland, Per Magne; Bjørke-Monsen, Anne-Lise

2017-12-14

Arginine is a constituent of proteins and a precursor for polyamines and nitric oxide, and is essential for placentation, angiogenesis, and growth. Maternal plasma arginine concentrations are found to be lower in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction, and arginine supplementation in later pregnancy is reported to increase birth weight. We measured arginine and the metabolites asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in the amniotic fluid obtained in pregnancy weeks 13 to 15 from 363 pregnancies with a documented normal outcome and related the concentrations to birth weight, length, and head circumference. Arginine was higher in the amniotic fluid from female (mean 40.8 (SD 10.6) µmol/L) compared to male fetuses (37.4 (SD 11.2) µmol/L, p = 0.003). Despite the gender difference, arginine in the amniotic fluid from gestational weeks 13-15 was the strongest predictor for birth weight, length, and head circumference. ADMA was a strong predictor for birth weight and length, SDMA for birth weight, while Arg/ADMA and Arg/SDMA only predicted head circumference in multiple linear regression models. Due to increased arginine demands, pregnancy is considered a state of relative arginine deficiency. Our findings reflect the importance of a good maternal arginine status in early pregnancy, an observation that should be evaluated in an intervention study.

Comparison of joint kinetics during free weight and flywheel resistance exercise.

PubMed

Chiu, Loren Z F; Salem, George J

2006-08-01

The most common modality for resistance exercise is free weight resistance. Alternative methods of providing external resistance have been investigated, in particular for use in microgravity environments such as space flight. One alternative modality is flywheel inertial resistance, which generates resistance as a function of the mass, distribution of mass, and angular acceleration of the flywheel. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize net joint kinetics of multijoint exercises performed with a flywheel inertial resistance device in comparison to free weights. Eleven trained men and women performed the front squat, lunge, and push press on separate days with free weight or flywheel resistance, while instrumented for biomechanical analysis. Front squats performed with flywheel resistance required greater contribution of the hip and ankle, and less contribution of the knee, compared to free weight. Push presses performed with flywheel resistance had similar impulse requirements at the knee compared to free weight, but greater impulse requirement at the hip and ankle. As used in this investigation, flywheel inertial resistance increases the demand on the hip extensors and ankle plantarflexors and decreases the mechanical demand on the knee extensors for lower extremity exercises such as the front squat and lunge. Exercises involving dynamic lower and upper extremity actions, such as the push press, may benefit from flywheel inertial resistance, due to the increased mechanical demand on the knee extensors.

Increasing strawberry shelf-life with carvacrol and methyl cinnamate antimicrobial vapors released from edible films

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Shelf life of strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) is limited by decay due to microbial growth that negatively impacts their color, texture, and weight. Plant natural volatile compounds, such as terpenoids and esters, have been reported to have antimicrobial properties. The effect of carvacrol (C) and...

High dietary protein intake and protein-related acid load on bone health

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Protein is an essential nutrient for humans and is required for maintaining optimal bone structure and growth. Consumption of high protein diets in excess of the Recommended Dietary Allowance of (0.8 g protein/kg body weight/d) is increasingly popular due to the benefits of protein on preserving lea...

Chef of the Week

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, Dee

2012-01-01

There is an overwhelming amount of research and data on childhood nutrition due to drastic increases in childhood obesity (classified as a BMI index greater than the 95th percentile for their height/weight). Obesity amounts have tripled in the last 30 years for children who fall in the age range of the author's students. The effects of childhood…

Bombus huntii, Bombus impatiens and Bombus vosnesenskii (Hymenoptera: Apidae) pollinate greenhouse-grown tomatoes in western North America

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Bumble bees (Bombus) are the primary pollinators of tomatoes grown in greenhouses and can significantly increase fruit weight compared to tomatoes that receive no supplemental pollination. Due to mounting concerns over the transportation of bumble bees outside of their native ranges, several specie...

Use of Mobile Technologies as Support Tools for Geography Field Trips

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Medzini, Arnon; Meishar-Tal, Hagit; Sneh, Yael

2015-01-01

In recent years, cellular phones and tablets have become increasingly more prevalent and popular. Due to their great mobility, light weight and ability to serve as a platform for various applications, these devices are ideal candidates for supporting out-of-classroom learning. Geography teachers in the twenty-first century must become familiar…

New Perspectives on Premature Infants and Their Parents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Browne, Joy V.

2003-01-01

More than 485,000 low-birth-weight, premature babies are born in the U.S. each year. The increase in preterm births since 1990 may be due to assisted pregnancies and births to older mothers. Although their survival rates are improving, many premature infants experience long-lasting developmental and behavioral problems. The author describes recent…

Impact of a Protective Vest and Spacer Garment on Exercise-Heat Strain

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

or condi- tioning (air cooling/ dehumidification ) is used due to increased weight, noise, and cost. Thermal manikin and modeling analyses at 1 m/s...of sphericity was violated, F values were adjusted using Greenhouse -Geisser or Huynh-Feldt values as appropriate. Tukey’s HSD pro- cedure was used to

Enteral B-hydroxy-B-methylbutyrate supplementation increases protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of neonatal pigs

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Many low-birth weight infants are at risk for poor growth due to an inability to achieve adequate protein intake. Administration of the amino acid leucine stimulates protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of neonates. To determine the effects of enteral supplementation of the leucine metabolite B-hydr...

Lowered testosterone in male obesity: mechanisms, morbidity and management

PubMed Central

Fui, Mark Ng Tang; Dupuis, Philippe; Grossmann, Mathis

2014-01-01

With increasing modernization and urbanization of Asia, much of the future focus of the obesity epidemic will be in the Asian region. Low testosterone levels are frequently encountered in obese men who do not otherwise have a recognizable hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis pathology. Moderate obesity predominantly decreases total testosterone due to insulin resistance-associated reductions in sex hormone binding globulin. More severe obesity is additionally associated with reductions in free testosterone levels due to suppression of the HPT axis. Low testosterone by itself leads to increasing adiposity, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of metabolic complications. Obesity-associated hypotestosteronemia is a functional, non-permanent state, which can be reversible, but this requires substantial weight loss. While testosterone treatment can lead to moderate reductions in fat mass, obesity by itself, in the absence of symptomatic androgen deficiency, is not an established indication for testosterone therapy. Testosterone therapy may lead to a worsening of untreated sleep apnea and compromise fertility. Whether testosterone therapy augments diet- and exercise-induced weight loss requires evaluation in adequately designed randomized controlled clinical trials. PMID:24407187

Fusing metabolomics data sets with heterogeneous measurement errors

PubMed Central

Waaijenborg, Sandra; Korobko, Oksana; Willems van Dijk, Ko; Lips, Mirjam; Hankemeier, Thomas; Wilderjans, Tom F.; Smilde, Age K.

2018-01-01

Combining different metabolomics platforms can contribute significantly to the discovery of complementary processes expressed under different conditions. However, analysing the fused data might be hampered by the difference in their quality. In metabolomics data, one often observes that measurement errors increase with increasing measurement level and that different platforms have different measurement error variance. In this paper we compare three different approaches to correct for the measurement error heterogeneity, by transformation of the raw data, by weighted filtering before modelling and by a modelling approach using a weighted sum of residuals. For an illustration of these different approaches we analyse data from healthy obese and diabetic obese individuals, obtained from two metabolomics platforms. Concluding, the filtering and modelling approaches that both estimate a model of the measurement error did not outperform the data transformation approaches for this application. This is probably due to the limited difference in measurement error and the fact that estimation of measurement error models is unstable due to the small number of repeats available. A transformation of the data improves the classification of the two groups. PMID:29698490

Oxidative stress in rat kidneys due to 3,4-methylenedioxymetamphetamine (ecstasy) toxicity.

PubMed

Ninković, Milica; Selaković, Vesna; Dukić, Mirjana; Milosavljević, Petar; Vasiljević, Ivana; Jovanović, Marina; Malicević, Zivorad

2008-02-01

The mechanism of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-induced toxicity is believed to be, in part, due to enhanced oxidative stress. As MDMA is eliminated via the kidney, the aim of this study was to investigate whether MDMA created conditions of oxidative stress within rat kidney. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups, control treatment (water), acute MDMA administration (single oral dose: 5, 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg body weight) and subacute MDMA administration (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg body weight per day during 14 days). Animals were sacrificed 8 h after the single oral MDMA administration in the acute MDMA administration group and after the last MDMA administration in the subacute MDMA administration group. Rectal temperature measurements, oxidative stress status parameters and histological examinations were performed. In all MDMA-administered rats, rectal temperature markedly increased peaking approximately 1 h after MDMA ingestion. Superoxide dismutase activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances increased after MDMA administration. Histological examinations of the kidney revealed dose-dependent disruption of tissue structure in subacute MDMA-administered rats. The latter was not observed in acute MDMA-administered rats.

Mathematical Analysis of Space Radiator Segmenting for Increased Reliability and Reduced Mass

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juhasz, Albert J.

2001-01-01

Spacecraft for long duration deep space missions will need to be designed to survive micrometeoroid bombardment of their surfaces some of which may actually be punctured. To avoid loss of the entire mission the damage due to such punctures must be limited to small, localized areas. This is especially true for power system radiators, which necessarily feature large surface areas to reject heat at relatively low temperature to the space environment by thermal radiation. It may be intuitively obvious that if a space radiator is composed of a large number of independently operating segments, such as heat pipes, a random micrometeoroid puncture will result only in the loss of the punctured segment, and not the entire radiator. Due to the redundancy achieved by independently operating segments, the wall thickness and consequently the weight of such segments can be drastically reduced. Probability theory is used to estimate the magnitude of such weight reductions as the number of segments is increased. An analysis of relevant parameter values required for minimum mass segmented radiators is also included.

Neuropeptide Y and peptide YY: important regulators of energy metabolism.

PubMed

Nguyen, Amy D; Herzog, Herbert; Sainsbury, Amanda

2011-02-01

An overview of recent developments documenting the neuropeptide Y (NPY) family's role in energy metabolism. Specifically focusing on site-specific functions of NPY and increasing evidence of peptide YY (PYY) as a weight loss therapeutic. Studying the NPY family in hypothalamic nuclei, other than the arcuate and paraventricular nuclei, is a recent shift in metabolic research. NPY overexpression in the dorsomedial hypothalamus increases food intake whereas its ablation in this area reduces hyperphagia and obesity. Similarly, NPY exerts orexigenic effects in the ventromedial nucleus. However, specific arcuate Y2 receptor ablation leads to positive energy balance, suggesting the NPY family demonstrates location-specific functions. Peripherally, dual blockade of cannabinoid and NPY pathways has synergistic effects on weight loss, as does combined administration of PYY3-36 and oxyntomodulin in reducing food intake, perhaps due to the recently discovered role of PYY in mediating intestinal Gpr119 activity and controlling glucose tolerance. Conditional Y receptor knockout models have provided deeper insights on NPY's functions according to location. Further study of PYY appears vital, due to recent evidence of its role in intestinal motility, with exercise positively influencing PYY levels.

Magnetic Thermometer: Thermal effect on the Agglomeration of Magnetic Nanoparticles by Magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Daeseong; Kim, Hackjin

2018-03-01

We have investigated the agglomeration of magnetite nanoparticles in the aqueous solution under magnetic field by measuring temporal change of magnetic weight. The magnetic weight corresponds to the force due to the magnetization of magnetic materials. Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles are synthesized and used in this work. When the aqueous solution of magnetite nanoparticle is placed under magnetic field, the magnetic weight of the sample jumps instantaneously by Neel and Brown mechanisms and thereafter increases steadily following a stretched exponential function as the nanoparticles agglomerate, which results from the distribution of energy barriers involved in the dynamics. Thermal motions of nanoparticles in the agglomerate perturb the ordered structure of the agglomerate to reduce the magnetic weight. Fluctuation of the structural order of the agglomerate by temperature change is much faster than the formation of agglomerate and explained well with the Boltzmann distribution, which suggests that the magnetic weight of the agglomerate works as a magnetic thermometer.

[Retinopathy of prematurity in multiple births: risk analysis for plus disease].

PubMed

García-Serrano, J L; Ramírez-García, M C; Piñar-Molina, R

2009-04-01

To analyze the risk factors associated with plus disease in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Over a period of 8.5 years we carried out a prospective study of ROP in twins and triplets. Fifty-four multiple-birth infants with low birth weight (< or =1500 g) and low gestational age (32< or = weeks) were admitted to the University Hospital of Granada. Logistic regression analyses showed the following variables to be associated with an increased risk of plus disease: severe ROP, large area of avascular retina, low gestational age, low birth weight, a patent ductus arteriosus, length of mechanical ventilation, adverse events increase, low 5 min Apgar scores and poor postnatal weight gain (in the first 4 to 6 weeks of life). Using multiple logistic regression, only the grade of ROP (OR: 5.5; p < 0.009) and poor postnatal weight gain (OR: 0.58; p < 0.04) were predictive factors of development of plus disease. Infants with disease gained an average 3.9 +/- 3.1 g/day in the first 6 weeks of life, compared to a mean of 11.84 +/- 8.3 g/day for those without plus disease (p < 0.0001). Advanced ROP stages and poor weight gain were the most significant factors associated with plus disease. Twins who gained weight at more than 7 g/day in the first 4-6 weeks of life had a significantly reduced risk of plus disease. A good weight gain is an effective strategy against avoidable blindness due to ROP.

Relationship of obesity with osteoporosis

PubMed Central

Zhao, Lan-Juan; Liu, Yong-Jun; Liu, Peng-Yuan; Hamilton, James; Recker, Robert R.; Deng, Hong-Wen

2007-01-01

Context The relationship between obesity and osteoporosis has been widely studied, and epidemiological evidence shows that obesity is correlated with increased bone mass. Previous analyses, however, did not control for the mechanical loading effects of total body weight on bone mass and may have generated a confounded or even biased relationship between obesity and osteoporosis. Objective To re-evaluate the relationship between obesity and osteoporosis by accounting for the mechanical loading effects of total body weight on bone mass. Methods We measured whole body fat mass, lean mass, percentage fat mass (PFM), body mass index (BMI), and bone mass in two large samples of different ethnicity: 1,988 unrelated Chinese subjects and 4,489 Caucasian subjects from 512 pedigrees. We first evaluated the Pearson correlations among different phenotypes. We then dissected the phenotypic correlations into genetic and environmental components, with bone mass unadjusted, or adjusted, for body weight. This allowed us to compare the results with and without controlling for mechanical loading effects of body weight on bone mass. Results In both Chinese and Caucasians, when the mechanical loading effect of body weight on bone mass was adjusted for, the phenotypic correlation (including its genetic and environmental components) between fat mass (or PFM) and bone mass was negative. Further multivariate analyses in subjects stratified by body weight confirmed the inverse relationship between bone mass and fat mass, after mechanical loading effects due to total body weight was controlled. Conclusions Increasing fat mass may not have a beneficial effect on bone mass. PMID:17299077

Beneficial changes in rumen bacterial community profile in sheep and dairy calves as a result of feeding the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens H57.

PubMed

Schofield, B J; Lachner, N; Le, O T; McNeill, D M; Dart, P; Ouwerkerk, D; Hugenholtz, P; Klieve, A V

2018-03-01

The probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens H57 increased weight gain, increased nitrogen retention and increased feed intake in ruminants when administered to the diet. This study aims to develop a better understanding of this probiotic effect by analysing changes in the rumen prokaryotic community. Sequencing the 16S rRNA gene PCR amplicons of the rumen microbiome, revealed that ewes fed H57 had a significantly different rumen microbial community structure to Control sheep. In contrast, dairy calves showed no significant differences in rumen community structure between treatment groups. In both instances, H57 was below detection in the rumen community profile and was only present at low relative abundance as determined by qPCR. The altered rumen microbial community in sheep likely contributes to increased weight gain through more efficient digestion of plant material. As no change occurred in the rumen community of dairy calves it is suggested that increased weight gain may be due to changes in community function rather than structure. The low relative abundance of H57 as determined by qPCR, suggests that weight gain was not directly mediated by the probiotic, but rather by influencing animal behaviour (feed consumption) and/or altering the native rumen community structure or function. This study provides a novel look at the rumen prokaryotic community in both sheep and dairy calves when fed H57. These findings improve our understanding for the potential rumen community involvement in H57-enabled weight gain. The study reveals that the probiotic B. amyloliquefaciens H57 is capable of benefiting ruminants without colonizing the rumen, suggesting an indirect mechanism of action. © 2018 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Economic weights for genetic improvement of lactation persistency and milk yield.

PubMed

Togashi, K; Lin, C Y

2009-06-01

This study aimed to establish a criterion for measuring the relative weight of lactation persistency (the ratio of yield at 280 d in milk to peak yield) in restricted selection index for the improvement of net merit comprising 3-parity total yield and total lactation persistency. The restricted selection index was compared with selection based on first-lactation total milk yield (I(1)), the first-two-lactation total yield (I(2)), and first-three-lactation total yield (I(3)). Results show that genetic response in net merit due to selection on restricted selection index could be greater than, equal to, or less than that due to the unrestricted index depending upon the relative weight of lactation persistency and the restriction level imposed. When the relative weight of total lactation persistency is equal to the criterion, the restricted selection index is equal to the selection method compared (I(1), I(2), or I(3)). The restricted selection index yielded a greater response when the relative weight of total lactation persistency was above the criterion, but a lower response when it was below the criterion. The criterion varied depending upon the restriction level (c) imposed and the selection criteria compared. A curvilinear relationship (concave curve) exists between the criterion and the restricted level. The criterion increases as the restriction level deviates in either direction from 1.5. Without prior information of the economic weight of lactation persistency, the imposition of the restriction level of 1.5 on lactation persistency would maximize change in net merit. The procedure presented allows for simultaneous modification of multi-parity lactation curves.

What Drives the Association between Weight Conscious Peer Groups and Disordered Eating? Disentangling Genetic and Environmental Selection from Pure Socialization Effects

PubMed Central

O’Connor, Shannon M.; Burt, S. Alexandra; VanHuysse, Jessica L.; Klump, Kelly L.

2015-01-01

Previous studies suggest strong associations between exposure to weight conscious peer groups and increased levels of disordered eating. This association has been attributed to socialization effects (i.e., membership leads to disordered eating); however, selection effects (i.e., selecting into peer groups based on genetic and/or environmental predispositions toward disordered eating) could contribute to or even account for these associations. The current study was the first to use a co-twin control design to disentangle these types of selection factors from socialization effects. Participants included 610 female twins (ages 8–14) drawn from the Michigan State University Twin Registry. To comprehensively examine a range of eating pathology, several disordered eating attitudes and behaviors (e.g., body dissatisfaction, binge eating) were examined via self-report questionnaires. Questionnaires also were used to assess peer group emphasis on body weight and shape. Replicating previous results, significant individual-level associations were found between membership in weight conscious peer groups and disordered eating. However, co-twin control analyses indicated that these associations were largely due to genetic and/or shared environmental selection factors rather than pure socialization effects. Importantly, results remained unchanged when controlling for pubertal status, suggesting that effects do not vary across developmental stage. Overall, these findings question whether associations between weight conscious peer groups and disordered eating are due entirely to socialization processes. Future studies are needed to identify the specific genetic and/or shared environmental factors that may drive selection into weight conscious peer groups. PMID:27043917

Effect of nano/micro B4C and SiC particles on fracture properties of aluminum 7075 particulate composites under chevron-notch plane strain fracture toughness test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morovvati, M. R.; Lalehpour, A.; Esmaeilzare, A.

2016-12-01

Reinforcing aluminum with SiC and B4C nano/micro particles can lead to a more efficient material in terms of strength and light weight. The influence of adding these particles to an aluminum 7075 matrix is investigated using chevron-notch fracture toughness test method. The reinforcing factors are type, size (micro/nano), and weight percent of the particles. The fracture parameters are maximum load, notch opening displacement, the work up to fracture and chevron notch plane strain fracture toughness. The findings demonstrate that addition of micro and nano size particles improves the fracture properties; however, increasing the weight percent of the particles leads to increase of fracture properties up to a certain level and after that due to agglomeration of the particles, the improvement does not happen for both particle types and size categories. Agglomeration of particles at higher amounts of reinforcing particles results in improper distribution of particles and reduction in mechanical properties.

Molecular chaperone properties of the high molecular weight aggregate from aged lens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takemoto, L.; Boyle, D.; Spooner, B. S. (Principal Investigator)

1994-01-01

The high molecular weight aggregate (HMWA) fraction was isolated from the water soluble proteins of aged bovine lenses. Its composition and ability to inhibit heat-induced denaturation and aggregation were compared with the lower molecular weight, oligomeric fraction of alpha isolated from the same lens. Although the major components of both fractions were the alpha-A and alpha-B chains, the HMWA fraction possessed a decreased ability to protect other proteins against heat-induced denaturation and aggregation. Immunoelectron microscopy of both fractions demonstrated that alpha particles from the HMWA fraction contained increased amounts of beta and gamma crystallins, bound to a central region of the supramolecular complex. Together, these results demonstrate that alpha crystallins found in the HMWA fraction possess a decreased ability to protect against heat-induced denaturation and aggregation, and suggest that at least part of this decrease could be due to the increased presence of beta and gamma crystallins complexed to the putative chaperone receptor site of the alpha particles.

Nutritional and physiological responses of young growing rats to diets containing raw cowpea seed meal, protein isolate (globulins), or starch.

PubMed

Olivera, Leticia; Canul, Rossana Rodriguez; Pereira-Pacheco, Fabiola; Cockburn, Joanna; Soldani, Florinda; McKenzie, Norma H; Duncan, Michelle; Olvera-Novoa, Miguel A; Grant, George

2003-01-01

The nutritional and physiological effects of raw cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.) seed meal, protein isolate (globulins), or starch on the metabolism of young growing rats have been evaluated in 14-day trials. Wet and dry weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and lipid and protein accretion were significantly reduced as a result of inclusion of seed meal, globulins, or starch in the diet, with growth retardation being most marked with the seed meal. The proportional weights of the small intestine and pancreas were increased by meal diets, and serum cholesterol levels were slightly reduced. The globulins and raw starch also increased relative small intestine weights but had no effect on the pancreas or serum constituents. The effects of cowpeas on rats appeared to be due primarily to the combined actions of globulins, resistant starches, protease inhibitors, and possibly fiber and non-starch polysaccharides on intestinal and systemic metabolism.

Immediate increase in food intake following exercise messages.

PubMed

Albarracin, Dolores; Wang, Wei; Leeper, Joshua

2009-07-01

Communications to stimulate weight loss include exercise-promotion messages that often produce unsatisfactory results due to compensatory behavioral and metabolic mechanisms triggered by physical activity. This research investigated potential automatic facilitation of eating immediately after exercise messages in the absence of actual exercise. Two controlled experiments demonstrated greater than control food intake following exposure to print messages typical of exercise campaigns as well as subliminal presentation of action words associated with exercise (e.g., "active"). These inadvertent effects may explain the limited efficacy of exercise-promotion programs for weight loss, particularly when systematic dietary guidelines are absent.

Integrated Vehicle Thermal Management - Combining Fluid Loops in Electric Drive Vehicles (Presentation)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rugh, J. P.

2013-07-01

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles have increased vehicle thermal management complexity, using separate coolant loop for advanced power electronics and electric motors. Additional thermal components result in higher costs. Multiple cooling loops lead to reduced range due to increased weight. Energy is required to meet thermal requirements. This presentation for the 2013 Annual Merit Review discusses integrated vehicle thermal management by combining fluid loops in electric drive vehicles.

The utility of animal models to evaluate novel anti-obesity agents

PubMed Central

Vickers, Steven P; Jackson, Helen C; Cheetham, Sharon C

2011-01-01

The global incidence of obesity continues to rise and is a major driver of morbidity and mortality through cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Animal models used in the discovery of novel treatments for obesity range from straightforward measures of food intake in lean rodents to long-term studies in animals exhibiting obesity due to the continuous access to diets high in fat. The utility of these animal models can be extended to determine, for example, that weight loss is due to fat loss and/or assess whether beneficial changes in key plasma parameters (e.g. insulin) are evident. In addition, behavioural models such as the behavioural satiety sequence can be used to confirm that a drug treatment has a selective effect on food intake. Typically, animal models have excellent predictive validity whereby drug-induced weight loss in rodents subsequently translates to weight loss in man. However, despite this, at the time of writing orlistat (Europe; USA) remains the only drug currently marketed for the treatment of obesity, with sibutramine having recently been withdrawn from sale globally due to the increased incidence of serious, non-fatal cardiovascular events. While the utility of rodent models in predicting clinical weight loss is detailed, the review also discusses whether animals can be used to predict adverse events such as those seen with recent anti-obesity drugs in the clinic. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Translational Neuropharmacology. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.164.issue-4 PMID:21265828

[Mortality due to traffic injuries and its impact on life expectancy: a comparison between Mexico and Spain].

PubMed

González-Pérez, Guillermo Julián; Vega-López, María Guadalupe; Cabrera-Pivaral, Carlos Enrique

2015-09-01

To determine the impact of mortality due to motor vehicle traffic injuries (MVTI) compared with other causes of death on life expectancy in Mexico and Spain during the three-year periods 2000-2002 and 2010-2012 and the weight of the different age groups in years of life expectancy lost (YLEL) due to this cause. Based on official death and population data, abridged life tables in Mexico and Spain were constructed for the three-year periods studied. Temporary life expectancy and YLEL for persons aged 15 to 75 years were calculated by selected causes (MVTI, diabetes mellitus, malignant neoplasms and ischemic heart diseases) and age groups in each three-year period. In Spain, YLEL decreased in both sexes from all the causes studied, especially MVTI; this reduction was greater in the younger ages. In addition, temporary life expectancy increased. In Mexico, YLEL due to MVTI increased in men, mainly in young people, and remained unchanged among women. Temporary life expectancy declined in men but increased slightly among women. The reduction in YLEL due to MVTI in Spain has contributed to increased life expectancy. By contrast, the increase in YLEL due to MVTI among Mexican men has contributed to the decline in male life expectancy. Copyright © 2014 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Maternal low-dose estradiol-17β exposure during pregnancy impairs postnatal progeny weight development and body composition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Werner Fürst, Rainer; ZIEL PhD Graduate school ‘Epigenetics, Imprinting and Nutrition’, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising-Weihenstephan; Pistek, Veronika Leopoldine

Endocrine disrupting chemicals with estrogenic activity play an important role as obesogens. However, studies investigating the most potent natural estrogen, estradiol-17β (E2), at low dose are lacking. We examined endocrine and physiological parameters in gilts receiving distinct concentrations of E2 during pregnancy. We then investigated whether adverse effects prevail in progeny due to a potential endocrine disruption. E2 was orally applied to gilts during the entire period of pregnancy. The concentrations represented a daily consumption at the recommended ADI level (0.05 μg/kg body weight/day), at the NOEL (10 μg/kg body weight/day) and at a high dosage (1000 μg/kg body weight/day).more » Plasma hormone concentrations were determined using enzyme immuno assays. Offspring body fat was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning. In treated gilts receiving 1000 μg E2/kg body weight/day we found significantly elevated plasma E2 levels during pregnancy, paralleled by an increased weight gain. While offspring showed similar weight at birth, piglets exhibited a significant reduction in weight at weaning even though their mothers had only received 0.05 μg E2/kg body weight/day. At 8 weeks of age, specifically males showed a significant increase in overall body fat percentage. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to low doses of E2 affected pig offspring development in terms of body weight and composition. In line with findings from other obesogens, our data suggest a programming effect during pregnancy for E2 causative for the depicted phenotypes. Therefore, E2 exposure may imply a possible contribution to childhood obesity. -- Highlights: ► We investigate the potential role of estradiol-17β (E2) as an obesogen. ► We orally apply E2 at the ADI, NOEL and a high dose to gilts during pregnancy. ► Offspring weight is similar at birth but reduced at weaning even after ADI treatment. ► Male offspring only exhibit an increase in overall body fat percentage prepubertally. ► E2 appears as an endocrine disruptor that might contribute to childhood obesity.« less

Unhealthy and healthy weight control behaviours among bus operators.

PubMed

Escoto, K H; French, S A

2012-03-01

Urban bus operators are an occupational group with high rates of overweight and obesity. Understanding methods bus operators use for weight control may be important; there may be increased risk for these workers to engage in less healthy weight management behaviours due to stressful working conditions. To examine the prevalence of unhealthy and healthy weight control behaviours used by bus operators and examine associations between use of unhealthy weight control behaviours and work-related and sociodemographic variables. Bus operators from four different transit garages were invited to complete a self-administered survey; height and weight were measured by research staff. Unhealthy and healthy weight control behaviours, work hours, work schedule and social support were measured with self-report items on the employee survey. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate associations. Nearly 60% of bus operators endorsed at least one unhealthy method; over 50% reported skipping meals, 30% fasted and 10% reported taking diet pills in the past year. Bus operator gender, race, body mass index status and hours worked per week showed significant associations with using at least one unhealthy weight control behaviour. Worksite interventions should emphasize the benefit of healthy eating and physical activity but should also address the use of less healthy methods for weight control for individuals employed in transportation occupations.

Risk of low birth weight and stillbirth associated with indoor air pollution from solid fuel use in developing countries.

PubMed

Pope, Daniel P; Mishra, Vinod; Thompson, Lisa; Siddiqui, Amna Rehana; Rehfuess, Eva A; Weber, Martin; Bruce, Nigel G

2010-01-01

Exposure to indoor air pollution from solid fuel use (IAP) has been linked to approximately 1.5 million annual deaths (World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/indoorair/publications/fuelforlife/en/index.html)) due to acute lower respiratory infections in children <5 years of age and chronic obstructive lung disease and lung cancer in adults. Emerging evidence suggests that IAP increases the risk of other conditions, including adverse pregnancy outcomes. To establish the relation of IAP with birth weight and stillbirth, systematic reviews with meta-analyses were conducted. Studies reporting outcomes of mean birth weight, percentage of low birth weight (LBW; <2,500 g), and/or stillbirth and assessing IAP were identified. Five LBW studies (of 982) and 3 stillbirth studies (of 171) met inclusion criteria for the reviews. Fixed-effect meta-analyses (I(2) = 0%) found that IAP was associated with increased risk of percentage LBW (odds ratio = 1.38, 95% confidence interval: 1.25, 1.52) and stillbirth (odds ratio = 1.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.23, 1.85) and reduced mean birth weight (-95.6 g, 95% confidence interval: -68.5, -124.7). Evidence from secondhand smoke, ambient air pollution, and animal studies--and suggested plausible mechanisms--substantiate these associations. Because a majority of pregnant women in developing countries, where rates of LBW and stillbirth are high, are heavily exposed to IAP, increased relative risk translates into substantial population attributable risks of 21% (LBW) and 26% (stillbirth).

Can thiolation render a low molecular weight polymer of just 20-kDa mucoadhesive?

PubMed

Mahmood, Arshad; Bonengel, Sonja; Laffleur, Flavia; Ijaz, Muhammad; Idrees, Muneeb Ahmad; Hussain, Shah; Huck, Christian W; Matuszczak, Barbara; Bernkop-Schnürch, Andreas

2016-01-01

The objective was to investigate whether even low-molecular weight polymers (LMWPs) can be rendered mucoadhesive due to thiolation. Interceded by the double catalytic system carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide, cysteamine was covalently attached to a copolymer, poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid-co-maleic acid) (PSSA-MA) exhibiting a molecular weight of just 20 kDa. Depending on the amount of added N-hydroxysuccinimide and cysteamine, the resulting PSSA-MA-cysteamine (PC) conjugates exhibited increasing degree of thiolation, highest being "PC 2300" exhibiting 2300.16 ± 149.86 μmol thiol groups per gram of polymer (mean ± SD; n = 3). This newly developed thiolated polymer was evaluated regarding mucoadhesive, rheological and drug release properties as well from the toxicological point of view. Swelling behavior in 100 mM phosphate buffer pH 6.8 was improved up to 180-fold. Furthermore, due to thiolation, the mucoadhesive properties of the polymer were 240-fold improved. Rheological measurements of polymer/mucus mixtures confirmed results obtained by mucoadhesion studies. In comparison to unmodified polymer, PC 2300 showed 2.3-, 2.3- and 2.4-fold increase in dynamic viscosity, elastic modulus and viscous modulus, respectively. Sustained release of the model drug codeine HCl out of the thiomer was provided for 2.5 h (p < 0.05), whereas the drug was immediately released from the unmodified polymer. Moreover, the thiomer was found non-toxic over Caco-2 cells for a period of 6- and 24-h exposure. Findings of the present study provide evidence that due to thiolation LMWPs can be rendered highly mucoadhesive as well as cohesive and that a controlled drug release out of such polymers can be provided.

Weight gain - unintentional

MedlinePlus

... Cushing syndrome Underactive thyroid, or low thyroid (hypothyroidism) Polycystic ovary syndrome Menopause Pregnancy Bloating, or swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the tissues can cause weight gain. This may be due to menstruation, heart ...

Food preferences and weight change during low-fat and low-carbohydrate diets

PubMed Central

McVay, Megan A.; Voils, Corrine I.; Geiselman, Paula J.; Smith, Valerie A.; Coffman, Cynthia J.; Mayer, Stephanie; Yancy, William S.

2016-01-01

Understanding associations between food preferences and weight loss during various effective diets could inform efforts to personalize dietary recommendations and provide insight into weight loss mechanisms. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial in which participants were randomized to either a ‘choice’ arm, in which they were allowed to select between a low-fat diet (n=44) or low-carbohydrate diet (n=61), or to a ‘no choice’ arm, in which they were randomly assigned to a low-fat diet (n=49) or low-carbohydrate diet (n=53). All participants were provided 48 weeks of lifestyle counseling. Food preferences were measured at baseline and every 12 weeks thereafter with the Geiselman Food Preference Questionnaire. Participants were 73% male and 51% African American, with a mean age of 55. Baseline food preferences, including congruency of food preferences with diet, were not associated with weight outcomes. In the low-fat diet group, no associations were found between changes in food preferences and weight over time. In the low-carbohydrate diet group, increased preference for low-carbohydrate diet congruent foods from baseline to 12 weeks was associated with weight loss from 12 to 24 weeks. Additionally, weight loss from baseline to 12 weeks was associated with increased preference for low-carbohydrate diet congruent foods from 12 to 24 weeks. Results suggest that basing selection of low-carbohydrate diet or low-fat diet on food preferences is unlikely to influence weight loss. Congruency of food preferences and weight loss may influence each other early during a low-carbohydrate diet but not low-fat diet, possibly due to different features of these diets. PMID:27133551

Reproductive toxicologic evaluations of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem extract in albino rats.

PubMed

Yakubu, M T; Afolayan, A J

2009-08-01

The effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem at daily doses of 25, 50, and 100mg/kg body weight on the reproductive function of Wistar rats were evaluated. The indices of mating and fertility success as well as quantal frequency increased after 7 days of treatment in all the dose groups except the 100mg/kg body weight group. The number of litters was not statistically different (P>0.05) from the control. Whereas the absolute weights of the epididymis, seminal vesicle, and prostate were not affected, that of the testes was significantly increased. The epididymal sperm count, motility, morphology, and viscosity were not different from the control after 7 days of treatment. The male rat serum testosterone, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone significantly increased in the 25 and 50mg/kg body weight groups, whereas the estradiol concentration decreased significantly at all the doses. The extract dose of 100mg/kg body weight decreased the serum testosterone and progesterone levels in male rats. The prolactin concentration was not affected by all the doses. All the indices of reproduction, maternal, embryo/fetotoxic, teratogenic, and reproductive hormones in the female rats were not statistically different from that of their control except the resorption index, which increased at the dose of 100mg/kg body weight of the extract. Histologic examination of the cross section of rat testes that received the extract at all the doses investigated revealed well-preserved seminiferous tubules with normal amount of stroma, normal population of spermatogenic and supporting cells, as well as normal spermatocytes within the lumen. The results revealed that the aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis stem at doses of 25 and 50mg/kg body weight enhanced the success rate of mating and fertility due to increased libido as well as the levels of reproductive hormones in male rats. The absence of alterations in the reproductive parameters of female rats at doses of 25 and 50mg/kg body weight of Bulbine natalensis stem extract suggest that the extract is "safe" for use at these doses by females during the organogenic period of pregnancy, whereas the extract dose of 100mg/kg body weight portends a negative effect on some reproductive functions of male and female rats.

Adjusting for reverse causation to estimate the effect of obesity on mortality after incident heart failure in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

PubMed

Shakiba, Maryam; Soori, Hamid; Mansournia, Mohammad Ali; Nazari, Seyed Saeed Hashemi; Salimi, Yahya

2016-01-01

The lower mortality rate of obese patients with heart failure (HF) has been partly attributed to reverse causation bias due to weight loss caused by disease. Using data about weight both before and after HF, this study aimed to adjust for reverse causation and examine the association of obesity both before and after HF with mortality. Using the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, 308 patients with data available from before and after the incidence of HF were included. Pre-morbid and post-morbid obesity were defined based on body mass index measurements at least three months before and after incident HF. The associations of pre-morbid and post-morbid obesity and weight change with survival after HF were evaluated using a Cox proportional hazard model. Pre-morbid obesity was associated with higher mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 2.49) but post-morbid obesity was associated with increased survival (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.88). Adjusting for weight change due to disease as a confounder of the obesity-mortality relationship resulted in the absence of any significant associations between post-morbid obesity and mortality. This study demonstrated that controlling for reverse causality by adjusting for the confounder of weight change may remove or reverse the protective effect of obesity on mortality among patients with incident HF.

Using within-day hive weight changes to measure environmental effects on honey bee colonies

PubMed Central

Holst, Niels; Weiss, Milagra; Carroll, Mark J.; McFrederick, Quinn S.; Barron, Andrew B.

2018-01-01

Patterns in within-day hive weight data from two independent datasets in Arizona and California were modeled using piecewise regression, and analyzed with respect to honey bee colony behavior and landscape effects. The regression analysis yielded information on the start and finish of a colony’s daily activity cycle, hive weight change at night, hive weight loss due to departing foragers and weight gain due to returning foragers. Assumptions about the meaning of the timing and size of the morning weight changes were tested in a third study by delaying the forager departure times from one to three hours using screen entrance gates. A regression of planned vs. observed departure delays showed that the initial hive weight loss around dawn was largely due to foragers. In a similar experiment in Australia, hive weight loss due to departing foragers in the morning was correlated with net bee traffic (difference between the number of departing bees and the number of arriving bees) and from those data the payload of the arriving bees was estimated to be 0.02 g. The piecewise regression approach was then used to analyze a fifth study involving hives with and without access to natural forage. The analysis showed that, during a commercial pollination event, hives with previous access to forage had a significantly higher rate of weight gain as the foragers returned in the afternoon, and, in the weeks after the pollination event, a significantly higher rate of weight loss in the morning, as foragers departed. This combination of continuous weight data and piecewise regression proved effective in detecting treatment differences in foraging activity that other methods failed to detect. PMID:29791462

Using within-day hive weight changes to measure environmental effects on honey bee colonies.

PubMed

Meikle, William G; Holst, Niels; Colin, Théotime; Weiss, Milagra; Carroll, Mark J; McFrederick, Quinn S; Barron, Andrew B

2018-01-01

Patterns in within-day hive weight data from two independent datasets in Arizona and California were modeled using piecewise regression, and analyzed with respect to honey bee colony behavior and landscape effects. The regression analysis yielded information on the start and finish of a colony's daily activity cycle, hive weight change at night, hive weight loss due to departing foragers and weight gain due to returning foragers. Assumptions about the meaning of the timing and size of the morning weight changes were tested in a third study by delaying the forager departure times from one to three hours using screen entrance gates. A regression of planned vs. observed departure delays showed that the initial hive weight loss around dawn was largely due to foragers. In a similar experiment in Australia, hive weight loss due to departing foragers in the morning was correlated with net bee traffic (difference between the number of departing bees and the number of arriving bees) and from those data the payload of the arriving bees was estimated to be 0.02 g. The piecewise regression approach was then used to analyze a fifth study involving hives with and without access to natural forage. The analysis showed that, during a commercial pollination event, hives with previous access to forage had a significantly higher rate of weight gain as the foragers returned in the afternoon, and, in the weeks after the pollination event, a significantly higher rate of weight loss in the morning, as foragers departed. This combination of continuous weight data and piecewise regression proved effective in detecting treatment differences in foraging activity that other methods failed to detect.

Renal damages after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy evaluated by Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Umekawa, T; Kohri, K; Yamate, T; Amasaki, N; Ishikawa, Y; Takada, M; Iguchi, M; Kurita, T

1992-01-01

Renal damages after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic MRI in 37 patients with renal stone by spin echo methods (T1 and T2-weighted scan) and small tip angle gradient echo method (T2-weighted scan). Sixty-eight percent of the patients had changes in the MRI findings after ESWL. The frequently observed findings were perirenal fluid collection (38%), loss of corticomedullary junction (35%), and increased signal intensity of muscle and other adjacent tissue (34%). Preoperative Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic MRI showed low intensity band which suggests Gd-DTPA secretion from the glomerulus into the renal tubulus. In all cases the low intensity band became unclear after ESWL because of renal contusion due to ESWL. MRI, including Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic MRI, is considered to be a good procedure for evaluation of renal damages due to ESWL.

Production and mechanical properties of Al-SiC metal matrix composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karvanis, K.; Fasnakis, D.; Maropoulos, A.; Papanikolaou, S.

2016-11-01

The usage of Al-SiC Metal Matrix Composites is constantly increasing in the last years due to their unique properties such as light weight, high strength, high specific modulus, high fatigue strength, high hardness and low density. Al-SiC composites of various carbide compositions were produced using a centrifugal casting machine. The mechanical properties, tensile and compression strength, hardness and drop-weight impact strength were studied in order to determine the optimum carbide % in the metal matrix composites. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the microstructure-property correlation. It was observed that the tensile and the compressive strength of the composites increased as the proportion of silicon carbide became higher in the composites. Also with increasing proportion of silicon carbide in the composite, the material became harder and appeared to have smaller values for total displacement and total energy during impact testing.

Performance of Mashona doelings supplemented with different levels of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L. DC. var. utilis) seed meal.

PubMed

Madzimure, James; Mutema, Nyasha; Chimonyo, Michael; Bakare, Archibold Garikai; Mapiye, Cletos

2014-06-01

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of feeding increasing levels of velvet bean seed meal (VBM; 0, 12, 24, and 36 %) on the performance of Mashona doelings. Dry matter intake was lower (P < 0.05) for the control diet compared to VBM diets, but linearly declined (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of VBM. Average daily weight gain was significantly different between experimental groups. Doelings' final live weights and average daily gains were slightly higher in control group than other three supplemented groups where they linearly declined (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of VBM. The cost per kilogram of feed, however, decreased with high inclusion level of VBM. Result suggested that high inclusion level of VBM negatively influenced the growth of young goats probably due to the presence of some anti-nutritional factors which needs further investigation.

Estimated number of preterm births and low birth weight children born in the United States due to maternal binge drinking.

PubMed

Truong, Khoa D; Reifsnider, Odette S; Mayorga, Maria E; Spitler, Hugh

2013-05-01

The objective of this study was to estimate the aggregate burden of maternal binge drinking on preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) across American sociodemographic groups in 2008. To estimate the aggregate burden of maternal binge drinking on preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) across American sociodemographic groups in 2008. A simulation model was developed to estimate the number of PTB and LBW cases due to maternal binge drinking. Data inputs for the model included number of births and rates of preterm and LBW from the National Center for Health Statistics; female population by childbearing age groups from the U.S. Census; increased relative risks of preterm and LBW deliveries due to maternal binge drinking extracted from the literature; and adjusted prevalence of binge drinking among pregnant women estimated in a multivariate logistic regression model using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The most conservative estimates attributed maternal binge drinking to 8,701 (95% CI: 7,804-9,598) PTBs (1.75% of all PTBs) and 5,627 (95% CI 5,121-6,133) LBW deliveries in 2008, with 3,708 (95% CI: 3,375-4,041) cases of both PTB and LBW. The estimated rate of PTB due to maternal binge drinking was 1.57% among all PTBs to White women, 0.69% among Black women, 3.31% among Hispanic women, and 2.35% among other races. Compared to other age groups, women ages 40-44 had the highest adjusted binge drinking rate and highest PTB rate due to maternal binge drinking (4.33%). Maternal binge drinking contributed significantly to PTB and LBW differentially across sociodemographic groups.

Dissecting the Illegal Ivory Trade: An Analysis of Ivory Seizures Data

PubMed Central

Underwood, Fiona M.; Burn, Robert W.; Milliken, Tom

2013-01-01

Reliable evidence of trends in the illegal ivory trade is important for informing decision making for elephants but it is difficult to obtain due to the covert nature of the trade. The Elephant Trade Information System, a global database of reported seizures of illegal ivory, holds the only extensive information on illicit trade available. However inherent biases in seizure data make it difficult to infer trends; countries differ in their ability to make and report seizures and these differences cannot be directly measured. We developed a new modelling framework to provide quantitative evidence on trends in the illegal ivory trade from seizures data. The framework used Bayesian hierarchical latent variable models to reduce bias in seizures data by identifying proxy variables that describe the variability in seizure and reporting rates between countries and over time. Models produced bias-adjusted smoothed estimates of relative trends in illegal ivory activity for raw and worked ivory in three weight classes. Activity is represented by two indicators describing the number of illegal ivory transactions – Transactions Index – and the total weight of illegal ivory transactions – Weights Index – at global, regional or national levels. Globally, activity was found to be rapidly increasing and at its highest level for 16 years, more than doubling from 2007 to 2011 and tripling from 1998 to 2011. Over 70% of the Transactions Index is from shipments of worked ivory weighing less than 10 kg and the rapid increase since 2007 is mainly due to increased consumption in China. Over 70% of the Weights Index is from shipments of raw ivory weighing at least 100 kg mainly moving from Central and East Africa to Southeast and East Asia. The results tie together recent findings on trends in poaching rates, declining populations and consumption and provide detailed evidence to inform international decision making on elephants. PMID:24250744

Dissecting the illegal ivory trade: an analysis of ivory seizures data.

PubMed

Underwood, Fiona M; Burn, Robert W; Milliken, Tom

2013-01-01

Reliable evidence of trends in the illegal ivory trade is important for informing decision making for elephants but it is difficult to obtain due to the covert nature of the trade. The Elephant Trade Information System, a global database of reported seizures of illegal ivory, holds the only extensive information on illicit trade available. However inherent biases in seizure data make it difficult to infer trends; countries differ in their ability to make and report seizures and these differences cannot be directly measured. We developed a new modelling framework to provide quantitative evidence on trends in the illegal ivory trade from seizures data. The framework used Bayesian hierarchical latent variable models to reduce bias in seizures data by identifying proxy variables that describe the variability in seizure and reporting rates between countries and over time. Models produced bias-adjusted smoothed estimates of relative trends in illegal ivory activity for raw and worked ivory in three weight classes. Activity is represented by two indicators describing the number of illegal ivory transactions--Transactions Index--and the total weight of illegal ivory transactions--Weights Index--at global, regional or national levels. Globally, activity was found to be rapidly increasing and at its highest level for 16 years, more than doubling from 2007 to 2011 and tripling from 1998 to 2011. Over 70% of the Transactions Index is from shipments of worked ivory weighing less than 10 kg and the rapid increase since 2007 is mainly due to increased consumption in China. Over 70% of the Weights Index is from shipments of raw ivory weighing at least 100 kg mainly moving from Central and East Africa to Southeast and East Asia. The results tie together recent findings on trends in poaching rates, declining populations and consumption and provide detailed evidence to inform international decision making on elephants.

The puzzle of self-reported weight gain in a month of fasting (Ramadan) among a cohort of Saudi families in Jeddah, Western Saudi Arabia

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background During Ramadan fast, approximately one billion Muslims abstain from food and fluid between the hours of sunrise to sunset, and usually eat a large meal after sunset and another meal before sunrise. Many studies reported good health-related outcomes of fasting including weight loss. The objective of this study is to identify the local pattern of expenditure on food consumption, dietary habits during Ramadan and correlate that to self-reported weight gain after Ramadan in a group of families in Jeddah, Western Saudi Arabia. Methods A Cross-section study using a pre-designed questionnaire to identify the local pattern of expenditure on food consumption, dietary habits during Ramadan and correlate that to self-reported weight gain after Ramadan in a representative cohort of Saudis living in Jeddah. It was piloted on 173 nutrition students and administered by them to their families. Results A total of 173 Saudi families were interviewed. One out of 5 indicated that their expenditure increases during Ramadan. Approximately two thirds of the respondents (59.5%) reported weight gain after Ramadan. When asked about their perspective explanations for that: 40% attributed that to types of foods being rich in fat and carbohydrates particularly date in (Sunset meal) 97.7% and rice in (Dawn meal) 80.9%. One third (31.2%) indicated that it was due to relative lack of physical exercise in Ramadan and 14.5% referred that to increase in food consumption. Two thirds (65.2%) of those with increased expenditure reported weight gain. Conclusion Surprisingly weight gain and not weight loss was reported after Ramadan by Saudis which indicates timely needed life-style and dietary modification programs for a population which reports one of the highest prevalence rates of diabetes. PMID:21831261

Weight loss after therapy of hypothyroidism is mainly caused by excretion of excess body water associated with myxoedema.

PubMed

Karmisholt, Jesper; Andersen, Stig; Laurberg, Peter

2011-01-01

In hypothyroidism, resting energy expenditure (REE) is reduced and weight gain is common. Physical activity contributes to the total daily energy expenditure, and changes in physical activity might contribute to hypothyroid-associated weight changes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate mechanisms involved in body weight changes associated with hypothyroidism. We conducted a 1-yr controlled follow-up study on outpatients newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism (n = 12) and a euthyroid measurement control group (n = 10). MAIN OUTCOME AND INTERVENTIONS: Changes in body mass and composition (dual-energy x-ray analysis scan), REE (indirect calorimetry), and spontaneous physical activity (pedometers and two different questionnaires) were studied before and after 12 months of L-T(4) therapy or observation (control group). TSH changed from 102 (85) to 2.2 (2.1) mU/liter mean (SD) and free T(4) from 4.5 (2.1) to 18 (3.3) pmol/liter after 1 yr of treatment. Body weight decreased from 83.7 (16.4) to 79.4 (16.0) kg (P = 0.002) due to change in the lean mass subcompartment only (P = 0.001) because fat and bone mass was virtually unchanged. Significant increase was observed in REE and in physical activity measured with questionnaires but not measured as daily steps. No significant changes were observed in the control group. L-T(4) therapy of hypothyroidism associated with significant decrease in body weight and increase in REE. Physical activity measured with questionnaires increased significantly, but not number of daily steps. Despite changes in REE and body weight, fat mass was unchanged during the study. We propose that total body energy equilibrium is maintained during treatment of hypothyroidism and that weight loss observed during such treatment is caused by excretion of excess body water associated with untreated myxoedema.

Physical activity, obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

PubMed

Lakka, T A; Bouchard, C

2005-01-01

Sedentary lifestyle and overweight are major public health, clinical, and economical problems in modern societies. The worldwide epidemic of excess weight is due to imbalance between physical activity and dietary energy intake. Sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and consequent overweight and obesity markedly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular physical activity 45-60 min per day prevents unhealthy weight gain and obesity, whereas sedentary behaviors such as watching television promote them. Regular exercise can markedly reduce body weight and fat mass without dietary caloric restriction in overweight individuals. An increase in total energy expenditure appears to be the most important determinant of successful exercise-induced weight loss. The best long-term results may be achieved when physical activity produces an energy expenditure of at least 2,500 kcal/week. Yet, the optimal approach in weight reduction programs appears to be a combination of regular physical activity and caloric restriction. A minimum of 60 min, but most likely 80-90 min of moderate-intensity physical activity per day may be needed to avoid or limit weight regain in formerly overweight or obese individuals. Regular moderate intensity physical activity, a healthy diet, and avoiding unhealthy weight gain are effective and safe ways to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases and to reduce premature mortality in all population groups. Although the efforts to promote cardiovascular health concern the whole population, particular attention should be paid to individuals who are physically inactive, have unhealthy diets or are prone to weight gain. They have the highest risk for worsening of the cardiovascular risk factor profile and for cardiovascular disease. To combat the epidemic of overweight and to improve cardiovascular health at a population level, it is important to develop strategies to increase habitual physical activity and to prevent overweight and obesity in collaboration with communities, families, schools, work sites, health care professionals, media and policymakers.

Mild acetosolv process to fractionate bamboo for the biorefinery: structural and antioxidant properties of the dissolved lignin.

PubMed

Li, Ming-Fei; Sun, Shao-Ni; Xu, Feng; Sun, Run-Cang

2012-02-22

Fractionation of lignocellulosic material into its constitutive components is of vital importance for the production of biofuels as well as other value-added chemicals. The conventional acetosolv processes are mainly focused on the production of pulp from woody lignocelluloses. In this study, a mild acetosolv process was developed to fractionate bamboo under atmospheric pressure to obtain cellulosic pulp, water-soluble fraction, and acetic acid lignin. The structural features of the lignins obtained under various conditions were characterized with elemental analysis, sugar analysis, alkaline nitrobenzene oxidation, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR), and heteronuclear single-quantum coherence (HSQC) spectroscopy. As compared to milled wood lignin (MWL) of bamboo, acetic acid lignins had low impurities (carbohydrates 2.48-4.56%) mainly due to the cleavage of linkages between lignin and carbohydrates. In addition, acetic acid lignins showed a low proportion of syringyl (S) units. Due to the cleavage of linkages between lignin units, acetic acid lignins had weight-average molecular weights ranging from 4870 to 5210 g/mol, less than half that of MWL (13000 g/mol). In addition, acetic acid lignins showed stronger antioxidant activity mainly due to the significant increase of free phenolic hydroxyls. The lignins obtained with such low impurities, high free phenolic hydroxyls, and medium molecular weights are promising feedstocks to replace petroleum chemicals.

Applications of the Dot Probe Task in Attentional Bias Research in Eating Disorders: A Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Starzomska, Malgorzata

2017-01-01

Recent years have seen an increasing interest in the cognitive approach to eating disorders, which postulates that patients selectively attend to information associated with eating, body shape, and body weight. The unreliability of self-report measures in eating disorders due to strong denial of illness gave rise to experimental studies inspired…

Food limitation of sea lion pups and the decline of forage off central and southern California

PubMed Central

McClatchie, Sam; Field, John; Thompson, Andrew R.; Gerrodette, Tim; Lowry, Mark; Fiedler, Paul C.; Watson, William; Nieto, Karen M.; Vetter, Russell D.

2016-01-01

California sea lions increased from approximately 50 000 to 340 000 animals in the last 40 years, and their pups are starving and stranding on beaches in southern California, raising questions about the adequacy of their food supply. We investigated whether the declining sea lion pup weight at San Miguel rookery was associated with changes in abundance and quality of sardine, anchovy, rockfish and market squid forage. In the last decade off central California, where breeding female sea lions from San Miguel rookery feed, sardine and anchovy greatly decreased in biomass, whereas market squid and rockfish abundance increased. Pup weights fell as forage food quality declined associated with changes in the relative abundances of forage species. A model explained 67% of the variance in pup weights using forage from central and southern California and 81% of the variance in pup weights using forage from the female sea lion foraging range. A shift from high to poor quality forage for breeding females results in food limitation of the pups, ultimately flooding animal rescue centres with starving sea lion pups. Our study is unusual in using a long-term, fishery-independent dataset to directly address an important consequence of forage decline on the productivity of a large marine predator. Whether forage declines are environmentally driven, are due to a combination of environmental drivers and fishing removals, or are due to density-dependent interactions between forage and sea lions is uncertain. However, declining forage abundance and quality was coherent over a large area (32.5–38° N) for a decade, suggesting that trends in forage are environmentally driven. PMID:27069651

Developmental toxicity study in rats exposed dermally to clarified slurry oil for a limited period of gestation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Feuston, M.H.; Mackerer, C.R.

1996-10-11

Clarified slurry oil (CSO, CAS number 64741-62-4), a refinery stream produced by processing crude oil, is a developmental toxicant when administered dermally throughout gestation to pregnant rats. The manifestations of developmental toxicity observed included embryolethlity and growth retardation; evidence of teratogenicity was limited, and not conclusive. The present study was undertaken to further explore the teratogenic potential of CSO. In an attempt to limit emnbryolethality and thereby promote detection of terata, CSO was administered once daily for a limited period of gestation i[gestation days (GD) 9-12], via dermal application, to pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats at doses of 0, 10, 100, andmore » 1000 mg/kg. All animals were sacrificed on GD 20. Detailed examination of the dams was performed. Due to the screening nature of this investigation, fetal evaluations were limited to body weight measurements, external examinations, and evaluation of select visceral endpoints. In the dams exposed to CSO, significant decreases in body weight [absolute and gain (GD 9-13, GD 0-20)] and in the amount of food consumed were observed at 100 and 1000 mg/kg. Additional evidence of maternal toxicity observed at 1000 mg/kg included decreased absolute and relative thymus weights, increased absolute and relative liver weights, and aberrant serum chemistry. Ingestion of the test material was evident at the high dose. Developmental toxicity was observed at 1000 mg/kg and included increased embryolethality, decreased body weight, and anomalous development (cleft palate, brachydactyly, edema). Although a low incidence of abnormal fetal development was observed at 100 mg/kg, it was not conclusive that the alterations were due to CSO exposure. It is likely that three- to seven-ring polycyclic aromatic compounds present in CSO were responsible for the toxic effects observed. 33 refs., 5 tabs.« less

Caloric Restriction in Older Adults-Differential Effects of Weight Loss and Reduced Weight on Brain Structure and Function.

PubMed

Prehn, Kristin; Jumpertz von Schwartzenberg, Reiner; Mai, Knut; Zeitz, Ulrike; Witte, A Veronica; Hampel, Dierk; Szela, Anna-Maria; Fabian, Sonja; Grittner, Ulrike; Spranger, Joachim; Flöel, Agnes

2017-03-01

Dietary modifications such as caloric restriction (CR) have been suggested as a means to improve memory and prevent age-related decline. However, it is unclear whether those effects remain stable over time or are related specifically to negative energy balance during the weight loss phase of CR. Using a randomized interventional design, we investigated changes in recognition memory and neural correlates in postmenopausal obese women (n = 19): 1) after intense weight loss in the course of a 12-week low-caloric diet (reduced body weight and negative energy balance) and 2) after having sustained the reduced weight over 4 more weeks (reduced body weight, but energy balance equilibrium). Participants were contrasted to a control group (n = 18) instructed not to change dietary habits. In the CR group, we found improved recognition memory, paralleled by increased gray matter volume in inferior frontal gyrus and hippocampus, and augmented hippocampal resting-state functional connectivity to parietal areas. Moreover, effects were specific for transient negative energy balance and could not be detected after subsequent weight maintenance. Our data demonstrate for the first time in humans that beneficial effects of CR on brain structure and function are due to weight loss rather than an overall reduced weight. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The lateral hypothalamic area revisited: neuroanatomy, body weight regulation, neuroendocrinology and metabolism.

PubMed

Bernardis, L L; Bellinger, L L

1993-01-01

This article reviews findings that have accumulated since the original description of the syndrome that follows destruction of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA). These data comprise the areas of neuroanatomy, body weight regulation, neuroendocrinology, neurochemistry, and intermediary metabolism. Neurons in the LHA are the largest in the hypothalamus, and are topographically well organized. The LHA belongs to the parasympathetic area of the hypothalamus, and connects with all major parts of the brain and the major hypothalamic nuclei. Rats with LHA lesions regulate their body weight set point in a primary manner and not because of destruction of a "feeding center". The lower body weight is not due to finickiness. In the early stages of the syndrome, catabolism and running activity are enhanced, and so is the activity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) as shown by increased norepinephrine excretion that normalizes one mo later. The LHA plays a role in the feedback control of body weight regulation different from ventromedial (VMN) and dorsomedial (DMN). Tissue preparations from the LHA promote glucose utilization and insulin release. Although it does not belong to the classical hypothysiotropic area of the hypothalamus, the LHA does affect neuroendocrine secretions. No plasma data on growth hormone are available following electrolytic lesions LHA but electrical stimulation fails to elicit GH secretion. Nevertheless, antiserum raised against the 1-37 fragment of human GHRF stains numerous perikarya in the dorsolateral LHA. The plasma circadian corticosterone rhythm is disrupted in LHA lesioned rats, but this is unlikely due to destruction of intrinsic oscillators. Stimulation studies show a profound role of the LHA in glucose metabolism (glycolysis, glycogenesis, gluconeogenesis), this mechanism being cholinergic. Its role in lipolysis appears not to be critical. In general, stimulation of the VMN elicits opposite effects. Lesion studies in rats show altered in vitro glucose carbon incorporation into several tissue fractions both a few days, and one mo after lesion production. Several of these changes may be due to the reduced food intake, others appear to be due to a "true" lesion effect.

Advanced Computation Dynamics Simulation of Protective Structures Research

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-01

additional load with increased cracking and deflection. Eventually, the walls failed in flexure due to self-weight and did not indicate any signs of shear...overall volume of the FEM block to be 432.2 in3, instead of 415.1 in3; the overall volume increased of area is 1.041%. This additional material is...sections in addition to the summary. Section 2 consists of an introduction, objectives, scope and methodology, and organization of the report. Section 2

New approach to increasing rice lodging resistance and biomass yield through the use of high gibberellin producing varieties.

PubMed

Okuno, Ayako; Hirano, Ko; Asano, Kenji; Takase, Wakana; Masuda, Reiko; Morinaka, Yoichi; Ueguchi-Tanaka, Miyako; Kitano, Hidemi; Matsuoka, Makoto

2014-01-01

Traditional breeding for high-yielding rice has been dependent on the widespread use of fertilizers and the cultivation of gibberellin (GA)-deficient semi-dwarf varieties. The use of semi-dwarf plants facilitates high grain yield since these varieties possess high levels of lodging resistance, and thus could support the high grain weight. Although this approach has been successful in increasing grain yield, it is desirable to further improve grain production and also to breed for high biomass. In this study, we re-examined the effect of GA on rice lodging resistance and biomass yield using several GA-deficient mutants (e.g. having defects in the biosynthesis or perception of GA), and high-GA producing line or mutant. GA-deficient mutants displayed improved bending-type lodging resistance due to their short stature; however they showed reduced breaking-type lodging resistance and reduced total biomass. In plants producing high amounts of GA, the bending-type lodging resistance was inferior to the original cultivars. The breaking-type lodging resistance was improved due to increased lignin accumulation and/or larger culm diameters. Further, these lines had an increase in total biomass weight. These results show that the use of rice cultivars producing high levels of GA would be a novel approach to create higher lodging resistance and biomass.

Add-on topiramate reduces weight in overweight patients with affective disorders: a clinical case series

PubMed Central

Kirov, George; Tredget, John

2005-01-01

Background The weight-gain caused by many psychotropic drugs is a major cause for poor compliance with such medications and could also increase cardio-vascular morbidity among psychiatric patients. Recent reports have shown that the anticonvulsant topiramate causes weight loss in various patient groups. The drug has also shown effectiveness in open trials as a mood stabilizer in patients with affective disorders, but not in controlled trials in the acute treatment of mania. We used topiramate to treat 12 patients with affective disorders who had a body-mass index >30 kg/m2. Methods Topiramate was prescribed as part of our routine clinical practice, as an add-on medication, or as a replacement of a mood stabilizer. Patients' weight was recorded in 1 to 2 monthly intervals. Patients were followed up for between 6 and 12 months. The final dose of topiramate varied from 200 to 600 mg/day. Results Topiramate was effective in reducing the weight in 10 out of the 12 patients. At six months the 12 patients had lost a mean of 7.75 kg (SD = 6.9 kg, p < 0.001) and at 12 months 9 patients had lost a mean of 9.61 kg (SD = 6.7 kg, p = 0.003). Three patients stopped the treatment: one due to side effects, one due to possible side effects, and one suffered a manic relapse and showed no sustained weight loss. There were no other clear changes in the course of illness of the patients. Conclusion The evidence of a strong weight-reducing potential of topiramate is indisputable and clinically significant. Topiramate could be considered in the treatment of bipolar patients who are overweight, or whose concerns about weight gain compromise their compliance with long-term prophylactic medication. So far there is no evidence that topiramate has anti-manic effect and it should not be used as monotherapy. PMID:15817130

Development of a Transnasal Delivery System for Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH): Effects of the Concentration and Molecular Weight of Poly-L-arginine on the Nasal Absorption of rhGH in Rats.

PubMed

Kawashima, Ryo; Uchida, Masaki; Yamaki, Tsutomu; Ohtake, Kazuo; Hatanaka, Tomomi; Uchida, Hiroyuki; Ueda, Hideo; Kobayashi, Jun; Morimoto, Yasunori; Natsume, Hideshi

2016-01-01

A novel system for delivering recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) that is noninvasive and has a simple method of administration is strongly desired to improve the compliance of children. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for the intranasal (i.n.) co-administration of rhGH with poly-L-arginine (PLA) as a novel delivery system by evaluating the effects of the concentration and molecular weight of PLA on the nasal absorption of rhGH. The influence of the formation of insoluble aggregates and a soluble complex in the dosage formulation on nasal rhGH absorption was also evaluated by size-exclusion chromatography and ultrafiltration. PLA enhanced the nasal absorption of rhGH at each concentration and molecular weight examined. Nasal rhGH absorption increased dramatically when the PLA concentration was 1.0 % (w/v) due to the improved solubility of rhGH in the formulation. A delay in rhGH absorption was observed when the molecular weight of PLA was increased. This appeared to be because the increase in molecular weight caused the formation of a soluble complex. It seems that the PLA concentration affects the absorption-enhancing effect on rhGH, while the molecular weight of PLA affects the time when the maximum plasma rhGH concentration was reached (Tmax) of rhGH after i.n. administration, mainly because of the interactions among rhGH, PLA, and additives. Therefore, the transnasal rhGH delivery system using PLA is considered to be a promising alternative to subcutaneous (s.c.) injection if these interactions are sufficiently controlled.

Childhood Excess Weight in Spain From 2006 to 2012. Determinants and Parental Misperception.

PubMed

Ramiro-González, María D; Sanz-Barbero, Belén; Royo-Bordonada, Miguel Ángel

2017-08-01

Due to the high prevalence of childhood obesity in Spain, we analyzed changes in its prevalence from 2006 to 2007 and from 2011 to 2012, as well as diet, sleep, and sedentary habits in 5- to 14-year-olds and parental misperceptions about their children's excess weight. The sample was from the Spanish National Health Surveys for 2006 to 2007 (n=5590) and for 2011 to 2012 (n=3601). Data were collected by trained personnel through telephone interviews with parents/guardians. Weight and height were self-reported and the International Obesity Task Force cutpoints were used to define overweight and obesity. The prevalence of childhood excess weight was 30.1% from 2006 to 2007 and 29.7% from 2011 to 2012, while that of childhood obesity was 9.6% and 9%, respectively. Parental misperception of childhood excess weight increased from 60.8% to 71.4% (P<.001). Daily consumption of vegetables increased by 7.8%, while that of soft drinks and snacks decreased. This decrease was greatest in children from families with a low socioeconomic status, who also decreased their consumption of sweets and fast food. Adherence to sleep recommendations decreased by 5%, but adherence to recommended sedentary time did not change. High childhood overweight and obesity rates remained stable in Spain from 2006 to 2007 and from 2011 to 2012, but there was an increase in parental misperception of childhood excess weight. Despite reduced consumption of soft drinks and snacks, there was low adherence to dietary recommendations, hours of sleep, and sedentary habits. Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Definition and measurement of rider-intrinsic physical attributes influencing all-terrain vehicle safety.

PubMed

Mattei, Tobias A; Bond, Brandon J; Hafner, John W; Morris, Martin J; Travis, Jennifer; Hannah, Greg; Webster, Jim; Lin, Julian J

2011-11-01

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) usage has grown tremendously over the years, reaching 9.5 million vehicles in use in 2007. Accompanying this growth has been a concomitant increase in rider morbidity (including traumatic brain and spine injuries) and death, especially in children. The purpose of this study was to define and measure, through field testing, those physical attributes intrinsic to riders, such as height, weight, and wingspan, which may have implications for ATV riders' safety. Three field tests (J-hook, brake, and bump) were developed and performed to allow direct measurement of the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical dynamics in 5 riders of varying heights, weights, and wingspans. Two ATVs, a utility and a sport model, were tested for further comparisons. Data were acquired using a comprehensive data acquisition system attached to the ATVs. Assignment of individual rider/ATV test safety ratings and a rider/ATV Total Safety Rating were made from the results of these field tests. The J-hook test results demonstrated that larger rider wingspans positively influence ATV rider safety and mitigate against lateral instability. From the brake test it was determined that a 10-in (25.4-cm) longitudinal displacement, such as that experienced during a sharp deceleration, for a rider of any height or weight, breached the level of defined safety. As rider weight increased, displacement decreased. The bump test provided evidence that increased rider weight also mitigates against vertical displacement. Individuals with light weights and small wingspans, such as those in the pediatric population, are under considerable risk of injury when operating an ATV due to lateral, longitudinal, and vertical operational instability.

Immunogenicity, safety and tolerability of inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine in overweight and obese children.

PubMed

Esposito, Susanna; Giavoli, Claudia; Trombetta, Claudia; Bianchini, Sonia; Montinaro, Valentina; Spada, Anna; Montomoli, Emanuele; Principi, Nicola

2016-01-02

Obesity may be a risk factor for increased hospitalization and deaths from infections due to respiratory pathogens. Additionally, obese patients appear to have impaired immunity after some vaccinations. To evaluate the immunogenicity, safety and tolerability of an inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) in overweight and obese children, 28 overweight/obese pediatric patients and 23 healthy normal weight controls aged 3-14 years received a dose of TIV. Four weeks after vaccine administration, significantly higher seroprotection rates against the A/H1N1 strain were observed among overweight/obese children compared with normal weight controls (p<0.05). Four months after vaccination, similar or slightly higher seroconversion and seroprotection rates against the A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains were detected in overweight/obese than in normal weight children, whereas significantly higher rates of seroconversion and seroprotection against the B strain were found in overweight/obese patients than in normal weight controls (p<0.05 for seroconversion and seroprotection). Geometric mean titers (GMTs) and fold increase against B strains were significantly higher in overweight/obese patients than in normal weight controls 4 months after vaccine administration (p<0.01 for GMT values and p<0.05 for fold increase). The frequency of local and systemic reactions was similar between the groups, and there were no serious adverse events. The results of this study indicate that in overweight and obese children, antibody response to TIV administration is similar or slightly higher than that evidenced in normal weight subjects of similar age and this situation persists for at least 4 months after vaccine administration in the presence of a favorable safety profile. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of a Performance-Based Expert Elicitation: WHO Global Attribution of Foodborne Diseases.

PubMed

Aspinall, W P; Cooke, R M; Havelaar, A H; Hoffmann, S; Hald, T

2016-01-01

For many societally important science-based decisions, data are inadequate, unreliable or non-existent, and expert advice is sought. In such cases, procedures for eliciting structured expert judgments (SEJ) are increasingly used. This raises questions regarding validity and reproducibility. This paper presents new findings from a large-scale international SEJ study intended to estimate the global burden of foodborne disease on behalf of WHO. The study involved 72 experts distributed over 134 expert panels, with panels comprising thirteen experts on average. Elicitations were conducted in five languages. Performance-based weighted solutions for target questions of interest were formed for each panel. These weights were based on individual expert's statistical accuracy and informativeness, determined using between ten and fifteen calibration variables from the experts' field with known values. Equal weights combinations were also calculated. The main conclusions on expert performance are: (1) SEJ does provide a science-based method for attribution of the global burden of foodborne diseases; (2) equal weighting of experts per panel increased statistical accuracy to acceptable levels, but at the cost of informativeness; (3) performance-based weighting increased informativeness, while retaining accuracy; (4) due to study constraints individual experts' accuracies were generally lower than in other SEJ studies, and (5) there was a negative correlation between experts' informativeness and statistical accuracy which attenuated as accuracy improved, revealing that the least accurate experts drive the negative correlation. It is shown, however, that performance-based weighting has the ability to yield statistically accurate and informative combinations of experts' judgments, thereby offsetting this contrary influence. The present findings suggest that application of SEJ on a large scale is feasible, and motivate the development of enhanced training and tools for remote elicitation of multiple, internationally-dispersed panels.

Evaluation of a Performance-Based Expert Elicitation: WHO Global Attribution of Foodborne Diseases

PubMed Central

Aspinall, W. P.; Cooke, R. M.; Havelaar, A. H.; Hoffmann, S.; Hald, T.

2016-01-01

For many societally important science-based decisions, data are inadequate, unreliable or non-existent, and expert advice is sought. In such cases, procedures for eliciting structured expert judgments (SEJ) are increasingly used. This raises questions regarding validity and reproducibility. This paper presents new findings from a large-scale international SEJ study intended to estimate the global burden of foodborne disease on behalf of WHO. The study involved 72 experts distributed over 134 expert panels, with panels comprising thirteen experts on average. Elicitations were conducted in five languages. Performance-based weighted solutions for target questions of interest were formed for each panel. These weights were based on individual expert’s statistical accuracy and informativeness, determined using between ten and fifteen calibration variables from the experts' field with known values. Equal weights combinations were also calculated. The main conclusions on expert performance are: (1) SEJ does provide a science-based method for attribution of the global burden of foodborne diseases; (2) equal weighting of experts per panel increased statistical accuracy to acceptable levels, but at the cost of informativeness; (3) performance-based weighting increased informativeness, while retaining accuracy; (4) due to study constraints individual experts’ accuracies were generally lower than in other SEJ studies, and (5) there was a negative correlation between experts' informativeness and statistical accuracy which attenuated as accuracy improved, revealing that the least accurate experts drive the negative correlation. It is shown, however, that performance-based weighting has the ability to yield statistically accurate and informative combinations of experts' judgments, thereby offsetting this contrary influence. The present findings suggest that application of SEJ on a large scale is feasible, and motivate the development of enhanced training and tools for remote elicitation of multiple, internationally-dispersed panels. PMID:26930595

Associations of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) with Lower Birth Weight: An Evaluation of Potential Confounding by Glomerular Filtration Rate Using a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model (PBPK).

PubMed

Verner, Marc-André; Loccisano, Anne E; Morken, Nils-Halvdan; Yoon, Miyoung; Wu, Huali; McDougall, Robin; Maisonet, Mildred; Marcus, Michele; Kishi, Reiko; Miyashita, Chihiro; Chen, Mei-Huei; Hsieh, Wu-Shiun; Andersen, Melvin E; Clewell, Harvey J; Longnecker, Matthew P

2015-12-01

Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been associated with lower birth weight in epidemiologic studies. This association could be attributable to glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is related to PFAS concentration and birth weight. We used a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of pregnancy to assess how much of the PFAS-birth weight association observed in epidemiologic studies might be attributable to GFR. We modified a PBPK model to reflect the association of GFR with birth weight (estimated from three studies of GFR and birth weight) and used it to simulate PFAS concentrations in maternal and cord plasma. The model was run 250,000 times, with variation in parameters, to simulate a population. Simulated data were analyzed to evaluate the association between PFAS levels and birth weight due to GFR. We compared simulated estimates with those from a meta-analysis of epidemiologic data. The reduction in birth weight for each 1-ng/mL increase in simulated cord plasma for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was 2.72 g (95% CI: -3.40, -2.04), and for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was 7.13 g (95% CI: -8.46, -5.80); results based on maternal plasma at term were similar. Results were sensitive to variations in PFAS level distributions and the strength of the GFR-birth weight association. In comparison, our meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies suggested that each 1-ng/mL increase in prenatal PFOS and PFOA levels was associated with 5.00 g (95% CI: -21.66, -7.78) and 14.72 g (95% CI: -8.92, -1.09) reductions in birth weight, respectively. Results of our simulations suggest that a substantial proportion of the association between prenatal PFAS and birth weight may be attributable to confounding by GFR and that confounding by GFR may be more important in studies with sample collection later in pregnancy.

Prevalence & consequences of anaemia in pregnancy.

PubMed

Kalaivani, K

2009-11-01

Prevalence of anaemia in India is among the highest in the world. Prevalence of anaemia is higher among pregnant women and preschool children. Even among higher income educated segments of population about 50 per cent of children, adolescent girls and pregnant women are anaemic. Inadequate dietary iron, folate intake due to low vegetable consumption, perhaps low B12 intake and poor bioavailability of dietary iron from the fibre, phytate rich Indian diets are the major factors responsible for high prevalence of anaemia. Increased requirement of iron during growth and pregnancy and chronic blood loss contribute to higher prevalence in specific groups. In India, anaemia is directly or indirectly responsible for 40 per cent of maternal deaths. There is 8 to 10-fold increase in MMR when the Hb falls below 5 g/dl. Early detection and effective management of anaemia in pregnancy can contribute substantially to reduction in maternal mortality. Maternal anaemia is associated with poor intrauterine growth and increased risk of preterm births and low birth weight rates. This in turn results in higher perinatal morbidity and mortality, and higher infant mortality rate. A doubling of low birth weight rate and 2 to 3 fold increase in the perinatal mortality rates is seen when the Hb is <8 g/dl. Intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight inevitably lead to poor growth trajectory in infancy, childhood and adolescence and contribute to low adult height. Parental height and maternal weight are determinants of intrauterine growth and birth weight. Thus maternal anaemia contributes to intergenerational cycle of poor growth in the offspring. Early detection and effective management of anaemia in pregnancy can lead to substantial reduction in undernutrition in childhood, adolescence and improvement in adult height.

Dosimetric effects of weight loss or gain during volumetric modulated arc therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy for prostate cancer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pair, Matthew L.; Du, Weiliang; Rojas, Hector D.

Weight loss or gain during the course of radiation therapy for prostate cancer can alter the planned dose to the target volumes and critical organs. Typically, source-to-surface distance (SSD) measurements are documented by therapists on a weekly basis to ensure that patients' exterior surface and isocenter-to-skin surface distances remain stable. The radiation oncology team then determines whether the patient has undergone a physical change sufficient to require a new treatment plan. The effect of weight change (SSD increase or decrease) on intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) dosimetry is not well known, and it is unclearmore » when rescanning or replanning is needed. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of weight change (SSD increase or decrease) on IMRT or VMAT dose delivery in patients with prostate cancer and to determine the SSD change threshold for replanning. Whether IMRT or VMAT provides better dose stability under weight change conditions was also determined. We generated clinical IMRT and VMAT prostate and seminal vesicle treatment plans for varying SSDs for 10 randomly selected patients with prostate cancer. The differences due to SSD change were quantified by a specific dose change for a specified volume of interest. The target mean dose, decreased or increased by 2.9% per 1-cm SSD decrease or increase in IMRT and by 3.6% in VMAT. If the SSD deviation is more than 1 cm, the radiation oncology team should determine whether to continue treatment without modifications, to adjust monitor units, or to resimulate and replan.« less

Quantifying feedforward control: a linear scaling model for fingertip forces and object weight.

PubMed

Lu, Ying; Bilaloglu, Seda; Aluru, Viswanath; Raghavan, Preeti

2015-07-01

The ability to predict the optimal fingertip forces according to object properties before the object is lifted is known as feedforward control, and it is thought to occur due to the formation of internal representations of the object's properties. The control of fingertip forces to objects of different weights has been studied extensively by using a custom-made grip device instrumented with force sensors. Feedforward control is measured by the rate of change of the vertical (load) force before the object is lifted. However, the precise relationship between the rate of change of load force and object weight and how it varies across healthy individuals in a population is not clearly understood. Using sets of 10 different weights, we have shown that there is a log-linear relationship between the fingertip load force rates and weight among neurologically intact individuals. We found that after one practice lift, as the weight increased, the peak load force rate (PLFR) increased by a fixed percentage, and this proportionality was common among the healthy subjects. However, at any given weight, the level of PLFR varied across individuals and was related to the efficiency of the muscles involved in lifting the object, in this case the wrist and finger extensor muscles. These results quantify feedforward control during grasp and lift among healthy individuals and provide new benchmarks to interpret data from neurologically impaired populations as well as a means to assess the effect of interventions on restoration of feedforward control and its relationship to muscular control. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Activation of Antioxidative Functions by Radon Inhalation Enhances the Mitigation Effects of Pregabalin on Chronic Constriction Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice

PubMed Central

Horie, Shunsuke; Etani, Reo; Kanzaki, Norie; Sasaoka, Kaori; Kobashi, Yusuke; Hanamoto, Katsumi; Yamaoka, Kiyonori

2016-01-01

Radon inhalation brings pain relief for chronic constriction injury- (CCI-) induced neuropathic pain in mice due to the activation of antioxidative functions, which is different from the mechanism of the pregabalin effect. In this study, we assessed whether a combination of radon inhalation and pregabalin administration is more effective against neuropathic pain than radon or pregabalin only. Mice were treated with inhaled radon at a concentration of 1,000 Bq/m3 for 24 hours and pregabalin administration after CCI surgery. In mice treated with pregabalin at a dose of 3 mg/kg weight, the 50% paw withdrawal threshold of mice treated with pregabalin or radon and pregabalin was significantly increased, suggesting pain relief. The therapeutic effects of radon inhalation or the combined effects of radon and pregabalin (3 mg/kg weight) were almost equivalent to treatment with pregabalin at a dose of 1.4 mg/kg weight or 4.1 mg/kg weight, respectively. Radon inhalation and the combination of radon and pregabalin increased antioxidant associated substances in the paw. The antioxidant substances increased much more in radon inhalation than in pregabalin administration. These findings suggested that the activation of antioxidative functions by radon inhalation enhances the pain relief of pregabalin and that this combined effect is probably an additive effect. PMID:26798431

Activation of Antioxidative Functions by Radon Inhalation Enhances the Mitigation Effects of Pregabalin on Chronic Constriction Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice.

PubMed

Kataoka, Takahiro; Horie, Shunsuke; Etani, Reo; Kanzaki, Norie; Sasaoka, Kaori; Kobashi, Yusuke; Hanamoto, Katsumi; Yamaoka, Kiyonori

2016-01-01

Radon inhalation brings pain relief for chronic constriction injury- (CCI-) induced neuropathic pain in mice due to the activation of antioxidative functions, which is different from the mechanism of the pregabalin effect. In this study, we assessed whether a combination of radon inhalation and pregabalin administration is more effective against neuropathic pain than radon or pregabalin only. Mice were treated with inhaled radon at a concentration of 1,000 Bq/m(3) for 24 hours and pregabalin administration after CCI surgery. In mice treated with pregabalin at a dose of 3 mg/kg weight, the 50% paw withdrawal threshold of mice treated with pregabalin or radon and pregabalin was significantly increased, suggesting pain relief. The therapeutic effects of radon inhalation or the combined effects of radon and pregabalin (3 mg/kg weight) were almost equivalent to treatment with pregabalin at a dose of 1.4 mg/kg weight or 4.1 mg/kg weight, respectively. Radon inhalation and the combination of radon and pregabalin increased antioxidant associated substances in the paw. The antioxidant substances increased much more in radon inhalation than in pregabalin administration. These findings suggested that the activation of antioxidative functions by radon inhalation enhances the pain relief of pregabalin and that this combined effect is probably an additive effect.

Arsenite in drinking water produces glucose intolerance in pregnant rats and their female offspring.

PubMed

Bonaventura, María Marta; Bourguignon, Nadia Soledad; Bizzozzero, Marianne; Rodriguez, Diego; Ventura, Clara; Cocca, Claudia; Libertun, Carlos; Lux-Lantos, Victoria Adela

2017-02-01

Drinking water is the main source of arsenic exposure. Chronic exposure has been associated with metabolic disorders. Here we studied the effects of arsenic on glucose metabolism, in pregnant and post-partum of dams and their offspring. We administered 5 (A5) or 50 (A50) mg/L of sodium arsenite in drinking water to rats from gestational day 1 (GD1) until two months postpartum (2MPP), and to their offspring from weaning until 8 weeks old. Liver arsenic dose-dependently increased in arsenite-treated rats to levels similar to exposed population. Pregnant A50 rats gained less weight than controls and recovered normal weight at 2MPP. Arsenite-treated pregnant animals showed glucose intolerance on GD16-17, with impaired insulin secretion but normal insulin sensitivity; they showed dose-dependent increased pancreas insulin on GD18. All alterations reverted at 2MPP. Offspring from A50-treated mothers showed lower body weight at birth, 4 and 8 weeks of age, and glucose intolerance in adult females, probably due to insulin secretion and sensitivity alterations. Arsenic alters glucose homeostasis during pregnancy by altering beta-cell function, increasing risk of developing gestational diabetes. In pups, it induces low body weight from birth to 8 weeks of age, and glucose intolerance in females, demonstrating a sex specific response. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Management of obesity after spinal cord injury: a systematic review.

PubMed

Shojaei, Mir Hatef; Alavinia, Seyed Mohammad; Craven, B Catharine

2017-11-01

Individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) are susceptible to central and visceral obesity and it's metabolic consequences; consensus based guidelines for obesity management after SCI have not yet been stablished. To identify and compare effective means of obesity management among SCI individuals. This systematic review included English and non-English articles, published prior to April 2017 found in the PubMed/Medline, Embase, CINAHL Psychinfo and Cochrane databases. Studies evaluating any obesity management strategy, alone or in combination, including: diet therapy, voluntary and involuntary exercise such as neuro-muscular electric stimulation (NMES), pharmacotherapy, and surgery, among individuals with chronic SCI were included. Outcomes of interest were reductions in waist circumference, body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI) and total fat mass (TFM) and increases in total lean body mass (TLBM) from baseline. From 3,553 retrieved titles and abstracts, 34 articles underwent full text review and 23 articles were selected for data abstraction. Articles describing weight loss due to inflammation, cancer or B12 deficiency were excluded. The Downs and Black reported poor to moderate quality of the studies. Bariatric surgery produced the greatest permanent weight reduction and BMI correction followed by combinations of physical exercise and diet therapy. Generally, NMES and pharmacotherapy improved TLBM and reduced TFM but not weight. The greatest weight reduction and BMI correction was produced by bariatric surgery, followed by a combination of physical exercise and diet therapy. NMES and pharmacologic treatment did not reduce weight or TFM but increased in TLBM.

Endogenous ethanol affects biopolyester molecular weight in recombinant Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Hiroe, Ayaka; Hyakutake, Manami; Thomson, Nicholas M; Sivaniah, Easan; Tsuge, Takeharu

2013-11-15

In biopolyester synthesis, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase (PhaC) catalyzes the polymerization of PHA in bacterial cells, followed by a chain transfer (CT) reaction in which the PHA polymer chain is transferred from PhaC to a CT agent. Accordingly, the frequency of CT reaction determines PHA molecular weight. Previous studies have shown that exogenous alcohols are effective CT agents. This study aimed to clarify the effect of endogenous ethanol as a CT agent for poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] [P(3HB)] synthesis in recombinant Escherichia coli, by comparing with that of exogenous ethanol. Ethanol supplementation to the culture medium reduced P(3HB) molecular weights by up to 56% due to ethanol-induced CT reaction. NMR analysis of P(3HB) polymers purified from the culture supplemented with (13)C-labeled ethanol showed the formation of a covalent bond between ethanol and P(3HB) chain at the carboxyl end. Cultivation without ethanol supplementation resulted in the reduction of P(3HB) molecular weight with increasing host-produced ethanol depending on culture aeration. On the other hand, production in recombinant BW25113(ΔadhE), an alcohol dehydrogenase deletion strain, resulted in a 77% increase in molecular weight. Analysis of five E. coli strains revealed that the estimated number of CT reactions was correlated with ethanol production. These results demonstrate that host-produced ethanol acts as an equally effective CT agent as exogenous ethanol, and the control of ethanol production is important to regulate the PHA molecular weight.

Heart transplantation in heart failure: the prognostic importance of body mass index at time of surgery and subsequent weight changes.

PubMed

Clark, Andrew L; Knosalla, Christoph; Birks, Emma; Loebe, Matthias; Davos, Constantinos H; Tsang, Sui; Negassa, Abdissa; Yacoub, Magdi; Hetzer, Roland; Coats, Andrew J S; Anker, Stefan D

2007-08-01

Heart transplantation is an important treatment for end-stage chronic heart failure. We studied the effect of body mass index (BMI), and the effect of subsequent weight change, on survival following transplantation in 1902 consecutive patients. Patients were recruited from: London (n=553), Berlin (N=971) and Boston (N=378). Patients suitable for transplantation due to symptoms, low left ventricular ejection fraction (

Improved chest expansion in idiopathic scoliosis after intensive, multiple-modality, nonsurgical treatment in an adult.

PubMed

Hawes, M C; Brooks, W J

2001-08-01

This case report documents a substantial increase in chest wall expansion in a middle-aged woman with stable right thoracic spinal curvature due to idiopathic scoliosis. Treatment involved intensive psychological and mobilization therapies, including comprehensive manipulative medicine treatments and daily manual traction. Over an 8-year period, a 6-cm increase in resting chest circumference (in the absence of weight gain) and a 7.5-cm increase in chest expansion were correlated with a substantial reduction of incidence of respiratory infections.

Body composition and reproductive performance at entry into lay of anno 1980 versus anno 2000 broiler breeder females under fast and slow release from feed restriction.

PubMed

Eitan, Y; Lipkin, Ehud; Soller, M

2014-05-01

During the 1990s, various disturbances arose affecting broiler breeder females at entry into lay. These disturbances were associated with even slight overfeeding during release of feed restriction in this critical maturation period. The present experiment was carried out to gain some insight into the causes of these disturbances by comparing the effect of fast (FF) and slow (SF) release from feed restriction at entry into lay in 2 broiler breeder populations: B1980, representing the genetic level of 1980, and B2000, the genetic level of 2000. Under the FF treatment, B1980 entered lay 19.2 d earlier than B2000; this increased to 37.4 d earlier under SF. The B1980 population entered lay at virtually the same mean age for SF and FF, whereas B2000 entered lay 15.7 d earlier under the FF. Body weight at first egg were 2,621 g for the B1980 and 3,591 g for B2000. Differences in BW at first egg between feeding treatments within lines were minor. As a percentage of BW, ovary, oviduct, and follicle weights were the same for B1980 and B2000; breast weight was 14.9% for B1980 and 21.2% for B2000; abdominal fat pad weight was 5.37% for B1980 and 2.67% for B2000. Follicle weight and absolute difference in weight between successive follicles was greater in B2000 than in B1980. It is concluded that body fat content does not limit entry into lay, and that threshold BW for onset of sexual maturity of broiler breeder hens increased by about 1,000 g between 1980 and 2000, indicating a tight association between juvenile growth rate and threshold BW for onset of sexual maturity. It is also concluded that disturbances at entry into lay due to overfeeding are not due to smaller differences between successive follicles in B2000 compared with B1980. There are hints, however, that overfeeding may contribute to these disturbances by decreasing differences between successive follicles.

Internist, anesthesiologist and surgeon use of ketogenic diet.

PubMed

Cenci, Lorenzo; Paoli, Antonio; Omar, Hesham R; Dalvi, Prachiti; Camporesi, Enrico M; Mangar, Devanand; Quartesan, Silvia; Fiorito, Alberto; Bosco, Gerardo

2018-03-01

Ketogenic diet is being increasingly utilized in recent decades because of its success as an effective tool for short and intermediate-term weight loss. Promoting physiological ketosis from a drastically low carbohydrate diet is the fundamental basis for this diet regime. Though debated, these diets have been demonstrated to be effective, at least in the short- to medium terms, to manage excess weight, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular risk factors. We reviewed the cardiovascular, metabolic, anesthetic, and postsurgical profiles in the literature and summarized technical issues of anesthesia and surgery along with long-term changes from published papers. Doubts with ketogenic diet were raised due to possible renal damage caused by significant excretion of nitrogen found in animal models, the effects of acidosis, and the concerns of increasing triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Though current literature supports the efficacy of very low carbohydrate keto-diets their potential negative effects on renal function and acidosis are debated. An increase in nitrogen excretion during protein metabolism in the postoperative period could lead to renal damage. Research on the value of ketogenic diets is emerging because of its value in weight loss and in managing other pathologies.

How should gestational weight gain be assessed? A comparison of existing methods and a novel method, area under the weight gain curve

PubMed Central

Kleinman, Ken P; Oken, Emily; Radesky, Jenny S; Rich-Edwards, Janet W; Peterson, Karen E; Gillman, Matthew W

2007-01-01

Background Gestational weight gain is important to assess for epidemiological and public health purposes: it is correlated with infant growth and may be related to maternal outcomes such as reproductive health and chronic disease risk. Methods commonly used to assess weight gain incorporate assumptions that are usually not borne out, such as a linear weight gain, or do not account for differential length of gestation. Methods We introduce a novel method to assess gestational weight gain, the area under the weight gain curve. This is easily interpretable as the additional pound-days carried due to pregnancy and avoids many flaws in alternative assessments. We compare the performance of the simple difference, weekly gain, Institute of Medicine categories and the area under the weight gain curve in predicting birthweight and maternal weight retention at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months post-partum. The analytic sample comprises 2016 participants in Project Viva, an observational prospective cohort study of pregnant women in Massachusetts. Results For birthweight outcomes, none of the weight gain measures is a meaningfully superior predictor. For 6-month postpartum weight retention the simple difference is superior, while for 12-, 24- and 36-month weight retention the area under the weight gain curve is superior. Conclusions These findings are plausible biologically: the same amount of weight gained early vs later in the pregnancy may reflect increased maternal fat stores. The timing of weight gain is reflected best in the area under the weight gain curve. Different methods of measuring gestational weight gain may be appropriate depending on the context. PMID:17715174

Effects of weight changes in the autonomic nervous system: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Costa, João; Moreira, André; Moreira, Pedro; Delgado, Luís; Silva, Diana

2018-01-09

Obesity has been linked to autonomic dysfunction, which is thought to be one of the main contributors for hypertension, cardiac remodelling and death. Exercise and diet-based weight loss are the mainstay therapy for obesity, but there is a paucity of data regarding the effect of weight changes in autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. To describe the impact of weight changes in autonomic nervous system. A systematic literature search of four biomedical databases was performed evaluating effects of weight changes, thorough diet and/or exercise-based interventions, in the following ANS outcomes: heart rate variability, namely low frequency (LF)/high frequency (HF) ratio (LF/HF ratio), normalized units of LF (LFnu) and HF (HFnu), muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), noradrenaline spillover rate (NA-SR), standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), baroreflex sensitivity and pupillometry. Quality appraisal was performed using the GRADE methodology and, where fitting, studies with comparable outcomes were pooled for meta-analysis. Twenty-seven studies - 7 controlled clinical trials and 20 observational studies - were included. Weight gain was reported in 4 studies and weight loss in all the other studies. Interventions inducing weight changes included: hypocaloric or hypercaloric diets, exercise (strength, endurance or aerobic training) and hypocaloric diet coupled with exercise programs. Most studies which resulted in weight loss reported decreases in LF/HF ratio, LFnu, MSNA burst frequency and incidence, NA-SR, and an increase of baroreflex sensitivity, HF, HFnu and RMSSD, pointing to a parasympathetic nervous system activation. Meta-analysis regarding weight loss interventions showed a significant pooled effect size (95% CI) with a decreased of MSNA burst frequency -5.09 (-8.42, -1.75), MSNA incidence -6.66 (-12.40, -0.62), however this was not significant for SDNN 14.32 (-4.31, 32.96). Weight gain was associated with an increase in LF/HF, LFnu, MSNA burst frequency and incidence. The weight loss effects were potentiated by the association of hypocaloric diet with exercise. Nevertheless, weight changes effects in these outcomes were based in low or very low quality of evidence. Diet and exercise based weight loss appears to increase parasympathetic and decrease sympathetic activity, the opposing effects being observed with weight gain. These findings are not uniformly reported in the literature, possibly due to differences in study design, methodology, characteristics of the participants and techniques used to estimate autonomic nervous activity. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Impaired Laparotomy Wound Healing in Obese Rats

PubMed Central

Xing, Liyu; Culbertson, Eric J.; Wen, Yuan; Robson, Martin C.

2015-01-01

Background Obesity increases the risk of laparotomy dehiscence and incisional hernia. The aim of this study was to measure the biological effect of obesity on laparotomy wound healing and the formation of incisional hernias. Methods Normal-weight Sprague–Dawley (SD) and obese Zucker rats were used in an established laparotomy wound healing and incisional ventral hernia model. Mechanical testing was performed on abdominal wall strips collected from laparotomy wounds. Hernia size was measured by digital imaging. Picrosirius staining for collagen isoforms was observed with polarized microscopy. Abdominal wall fibroblasts were cultured to measure collagen matrix remodeling and proliferation. Results Laparotomy wound healing was significantly impaired in obese rats. Mechanical strength was lower than in normal-weight rats. Yield load was reduced in the obese group at all time points. Picrosirius red staining showed increased immature type III collagen content and disorganized type I collagen fibers within laparotomy wounds of obese rats. Wound size was significantly larger in the obese group. Collagen matrix remodeling was impaired with fibroblasts from obese rats, but there was no difference in fibroblast proliferation between the obese and normal-weight groups. Conclusions We observed for the first time that laparotomy wound healing is impaired in obese rats. The recovery of laparotomy wound strength is delayed due to abnormal collagen maturation and remodeling, possibly due to a defect in fibroblast function. Strategies to improve outcomes for laparotomy wound healing in obese patients should include correcting the wound healing defect, possibly with growth factor or cell therapy. PMID:21347822

Change in radiosensitivity of rats during hypokinetic stress

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chernov, I. P.

1980-01-01

The laws governing stress modification of radiation sickness in relation to hypokinetic stress were investigated. It was found that gamma irradiation (800 rad) of rats on the third day of exposure to hypokinesia increased the radiosensitivity of the animals which was determined by the survival rate and the dynamics of body weight and the weight of some internal organs. The same radiation dose was given on the 20th day of hypokinesia and on the third day of recovery from the 20 day hypokinesia decreased the radiosensitivity of rats. It is concluded that the variations in the radiosensitivity observed may be due to a stress effect of hypokinesia.

Energy metabolism in human obesity.

PubMed

Jéquier, E

1989-01-01

Obesity results from a chronic imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Accurate measurements of total energy expenditure of lean and obese individuals with a respiration chamber have clearly shown that obese individuals expand more energy than lean sedentary subjects. Studies on the body composition of obese individuals reveal that not only the fat mass is enlarged, but the fat-free mass is also increased as compared with that of lean subjects. Since basal metabolic rate is proportional to the fat-free mass, obese subjects have a greater basal metabolic rate than lean controls. The energy cost of weight bearing activities such as walking and standing is related to body weight, and is therefore increased in obese individuals. The thermogenic response to food ingestion, the diet-induced thermogenesis, has been found to be reduced in some groups of obese people, but not in all obese individuals. The thermic effect of glucose or to meal ingestion is blunted in obese subjects with insulin resistance. Any alteration in thermogenic responses to a caloric excess can be important to store or to oxidize part of the excessive energy intake. After weight reduction in obese subjects due to a hypocaloric diet, the total 24-hour energy expenditure decreases by 20 to 25 kcal/day for each kilogram of weight loss. Failure to adapt the every day energy intake accordingly will result in body weight gain and relapse of obesity.

Highly CO2-Selective Gas Separation Membranes Based on Segmented Copolymers of Poly(Ethylene oxide) Reinforced with Pentiptycene-Containing Polyimide Hard Segments.

PubMed

Luo, Shuangjiang; Stevens, Kevin A; Park, Jae Sung; Moon, Joshua D; Liu, Qiang; Freeman, Benny D; Guo, Ruilan

2016-01-27

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-containing polymer membranes are attractive for CO2-related gas separations due to their high selectivity toward CO2. However, the development of PEO-rich membranes is frequently challenged by weak mechanical properties and a high crystallization tendency of PEO that hinders gas transport. Here we report a new series of highly CO2-selective, amorphous PEO-containing segmented copolymers prepared from commercial Jeffamine polyetheramines and pentiptycene-based polyimide. The copolymers are much more mechanically robust than the nonpentiptycene containing counterparts due to the molecular reinforcement mechanism of supramolecular chain threading and interlocking interactions induced by the pentiptycene structures, which also effectively suppresses PEO crystallization leading to a completely amorphous structure even at 60% PEO weight content. Membrane transport properties are sensitively affected by both PEO weight content and PEO chain length. A nonlinear correlation between CO2 permeability with PEO weight content was observed due to the competition between solubility and diffusivity contributions, whereby the copolymers change from being size-selective to solubility-selective when PEO content reaches 40%. CO2 selectivities over H2 and N2 increase monotonically with both PEO content and chain length, indicating strong CO2-philicity of the copolymers. The copolymer film with the longest PEO sequence (PEO2000) and highest PEO weight content (60%) showed a measured CO2 pure gas permeability of 39 Barrer, and ideal CO2/H2 and CO2/N2 selectivities of 4.1 and 46, respectively, at 35 °C and 3 atm, making them attractive for hydrogen purification and carbon capture.

[Strategies for successful weight reduction - focus on energy balance].

PubMed

Weck, M; Bornstein, S R; Barthel, A; Blüher, M

2012-10-01

The prevalence of obesity and related health problems is increasing worldwide and also in Germany. It is well known that substantial and sustained weight loss is difficult to accomplish. Therefore, a variety of studies has been performed in order to specify causes for weight gain and create hypotheses for better treatment options. Key factors of this problem are an adaptation of energy metabolism, especially resting metabolic rate (RMR), non-exercise thermogenesis and diet induced thermogenesis. The extremely high failure rate (> 80%) to keep the reduced weight after successful weight loss is due to adaptation processes of the body to maintain body energy stores. This so called "adaptive thermogenesis" is defined as a smaller than predicted change of energy expenditure in response to changes in energy balance. Adaptive thermogenesis appears to be a major reason for weight regain. The foremost objective of weight-loss programs is the reduction in body fat. However, a concomitant decline in lean tissue can frequently be observed. Since lean body mass (LBM) represents a key determinant of RMR it follows that a decrease in lean tissue could counteract the progress of weight loss. Therefore, with respect to long-term effectiveness of weight reduction programs, the loss of fat mass while maintaining LBM and RMR seems desirable. In this paper we will discuss the mechanisms of adaptive thermogenesis and develop therapeutic strategies with respect to avoiding weight regain successful weight reduction. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Size-dependent chemical ageing of oleic acid aerosol under dry and humidified conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Kindi, Suad S.; Pope, Francis D.; Beddows, David C.; Bloss, William J.; Harrison, Roy M.

2016-12-01

A chemical reaction chamber system has been developed for the processing of oleic acid aerosol particles with ozone under two relative humidity conditions: dry and humidified to 65 %. The apparatus consists of an aerosol flow tube, in which the ozonolysis occurs, coupled to a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and an aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ATOFMS) which measure the evolving particle size and composition. Under both relative humidity conditions, ozonolysis results in a significant decrease in particle size and mass which is consistent with the formation of volatile products that partition from the particle to the gas phase. Mass spectra derived from the ATOFMS reveal the presence of the typically observed reaction products: azelaic acid, nonanal, oxononanoic acid and nonanoic acid, as well as a range of higher molecular weight products deriving from the reactions of reaction intermediates with oleic acid and its oxidation products. These include octanoic acid and 9- and 10-oxooctadecanoic acid, as well as products of considerably higher molecular weight. Quantitative evaluation of product yields with the ATOFMS shows a marked dependence upon both particle size association (from 0.3 to 2.1 µm diameter) and relative humidity. Under both relative humidity conditions, the percentage residual of oleic acid increases with increasing particle size and the main lower molecular weight products are nonanal and oxononanoic acid. Under dry conditions, the percentage of higher molecular weight products increases with increasing particle size due to the poorer internal mixing of the larger particles. Under humidified conditions, the percentage of unreacted oleic acid is greater, except in the smallest particle fraction, with little formation of high molecular weight products relative to the dry particles. It is postulated that water reacts with reactive intermediates, competing with the processes which produce high molecular weight products. Whilst the oleic acid model aerosol system is of limited relevance to complex internally mixed atmospheric aerosol, the generic findings presented in this paper give useful insights into the nature of heterogeneous chemical processes.

Tuning mechanical performance of poly(ethylene glycol) and agarose interpenetrating network hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering.

PubMed

Rennerfeldt, Deena A; Renth, Amanda N; Talata, Zsolt; Gehrke, Stevin H; Detamore, Michael S

2013-11-01

Hydrogels are attractive for tissue engineering applications due to their incredible versatility, but they can be limited in cartilage tissue engineering applications due to inadequate mechanical performance. In an effort to address this limitation, our team previously reported the drastic improvement in the mechanical performance of interpenetrating networks (IPNs) of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG-DA) and agarose relative to pure PEG-DA and agarose networks. The goal of the current study was specifically to determine the relative importance of PEG-DA concentration, agarose concentration, and PEG-DA molecular weight in controlling mechanical performance, swelling characteristics, and network parameters. IPNs consistently had compressive and shear moduli greater than the additive sum of either single network when compared to pure PEG-DA gels with a similar PEG-DA content. IPNs withstood a maximum stress of up to 4.0 MPa in unconfined compression, with increased PEG-DA molecular weight being the greatest contributing factor to improved failure properties. However, aside from failure properties, PEG-DA concentration was the most influential factor for the large majority of properties. Increasing the agarose and PEG-DA concentrations as well as the PEG-DA molecular weight of agarose/PEG-DA IPNs and pure PEG-DA gels improved moduli and maximum stresses by as much as an order of magnitude or greater compared to pure PEG-DA gels in our previous studies. Although the viability of encapsulated chondrocytes was not significantly affected by IPN formulation, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content was significantly influenced, with a 12-fold increase over a three-week period in gels with a lower PEG-DA concentration. These results suggest that mechanical performance of IPNs may be tuned with partial but not complete independence from biological performance of encapsulated cells. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Flying with eight wings: inter-sex differences in wingbeat kinematics and aerodynamics during the copulatory flight of damselflies ( Ischnura elegans)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davidovich, Hilla; Ribak, Gal

2016-08-01

Copulation in the blue-tailed damselfly, Ischnura elegans, can last over 5 hours, during which the pair may fly from place to place in the so-called "wheel position". We filmed copulatory free-flight and analyzed the wingbeat kinematics of males and females in order to understand the contribution of the two sexes to this cooperative flight form. Both sexes flapped their wings but at different flapping frequencies resulting in a lack of synchronization between the flapping of the two insects. Despite their unusual body posture, females flapped their wings in a stroke-plane not significantly different to that of the males (repeated-measures ANOVA, F1,7 = 0.154, p = 0.71). However, their flapping amplitudes were smaller by 42 ± 17 %, compared to their male mates ( t test, t 7 = 9.298, p < 0.001). This was mostly due to shortening of the amplitude at the ventral stroke reversal point. Compared to solitary flight, males flying in copula increased flapping frequency by 19 %, while females decreased flapping amplitude by 27 %. These findings suggest that although both sexes contribute to copulatory flight, females reduce their effort, while males increase their aerodynamic output in order to carry both their own weight and some of the female's weight. This increased investment by the male is amplified due to male I. elegans being typically smaller than females. The need by smaller males to fly while carrying some of the weight of their larger mates may pose a constraint on the ability of mating pairs to evade predators or counter interference from competing solitary males.

Thermic effect of infused glucose and insulin in man. Decreased response with increased insulin resistance in obesity and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Ravussin, E; Bogardus, C; Schwartz, R S; Robbins, D C; Wolfe, R R; Horton, E S; Danforth, E; Sims, E A

1983-09-01

The thermic effect of infused glucose and insulin was measured by combining the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique with indirect calorimetry, in 10 normal weight volunteers (group I), 7 obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance (group II), and 13 obese subjects with abnormal glucose tolerance or noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus before (group IIIa) and after weight loss of 10.8 +/- 0.4 kg (group IIIb). During hyperinsulinemia (760-1,100 pmol/liter), total glucose disposal from combined endogenous production and glucose infusion was 545 +/- 49, 441 +/- 70, 233 +/- 35, 231 +/- 31 mg/min and energy expenditure changed by + 0.476 +/- 0.080, +0.293 +/- 0.095, -0.114 +/- 0.063, and +0.135 +/- 0.082 kJ/min in group I, II, IIIa, and IIIb, respectively. The increased energy expenditure correlated with glucose storage (measured cost of processing the glucose: 1.33 kJ/g). In group IIIa there was no increase in energy expenditure in response to glucose and insulin infusions. After therapy (group IIIb) there was a significant recovery (P less than 0.05) of the thermic effect of infused glucose although total glucose disposal was unchanged. It is proposed that the recovered thermic effect of infused insulin/glucose is due to the different contributions of gluconeogenesis in the fasting state and during the glucose clamp before and after weight loss. In addition we hypothesize that some of the lower thermic effect of food reported in obese noninsulin-dependent diabetics may be explained by decreased energy expenditure due to a greater suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis as well as by lower storage rate.

Flying with eight wings: inter-sex differences in wingbeat kinematics and aerodynamics during the copulatory flight of damselflies (Ischnura elegans).

PubMed

Davidovich, Hilla; Ribak, Gal

2016-08-01

Copulation in the blue-tailed damselfly, Ischnura elegans, can last over 5 hours, during which the pair may fly from place to place in the so-called "wheel position". We filmed copulatory free-flight and analyzed the wingbeat kinematics of males and females in order to understand the contribution of the two sexes to this cooperative flight form. Both sexes flapped their wings but at different flapping frequencies resulting in a lack of synchronization between the flapping of the two insects. Despite their unusual body posture, females flapped their wings in a stroke-plane not significantly different to that of the males (repeated-measures ANOVA, F1,7 = 0.154, p = 0.71). However, their flapping amplitudes were smaller by 42 ± 17 %, compared to their male mates (t test, t 7 = 9.298, p < 0.001). This was mostly due to shortening of the amplitude at the ventral stroke reversal point. Compared to solitary flight, males flying in copula increased flapping frequency by 19 %, while females decreased flapping amplitude by 27 %. These findings suggest that although both sexes contribute to copulatory flight, females reduce their effort, while males increase their aerodynamic output in order to carry both their own weight and some of the female's weight. This increased investment by the male is amplified due to male I. elegans being typically smaller than females. The need by smaller males to fly while carrying some of the weight of their larger mates may pose a constraint on the ability of mating pairs to evade predators or counter interference from competing solitary males.

A systematic review of the effect of oral glucocorticoids on energy intake, appetite, and body weight in humans.

PubMed

Berthon, Bronwyn S; MacDonald-Wicks, Lesley K; Wood, Lisa G

2014-03-01

Obesity is a serious risk factor for chronic disease, and commonly prescribed oral glucocorticoids (OCS) may be contributing to the prevalence of obesity. The objective of this review was to assess the impact of OCS on obesity in humans through effects on body weight (BW), energy intake, appetite, and body composition. An electronic search of English language peer-reviewed studies from 1973 up to March 2012 was conducted using Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Original studies that addressed the effects of OCS on appetite, energy intake, BW, or body composition in adults were considered eligible. Data from 21 studies with objectively measured outcomes were extracted and assessed for quality using standardized tools. The publication year varied from 1986 to 2013, and the sample size, from 6 to 189. Energy intake was measured in 6 studies; BW, in 19 studies; energy expenditure, in 3 studies; body composition, in 6 studies; and appetite was evaluated in 3 studies. Short-term oral glucocorticoid therapy may result in small increases in energy intake but does not appear to result in increased BW, possibly due to an increase in energy expenditure. Long-term therapy may result in clinically significant weight gain. Within-subject variation due to metabolism and physical activity levels confounds the relationship. A dose-response relationship of oral glucocorticoid therapy on energy intake, appetite, BW, or body composition was not found. Additional well-designed, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials that use standardized doses of OCS and assess the effects on appetite, energy intake, BW, and composition are strongly justified to confirm the findings of this review. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Weight loss medications in Canada – a new frontier or a repeat of past mistakes?

PubMed Central

Wharton, Sean; Lee, Jasmine; Christensen, Rebecca AG

2017-01-01

Current methods for the treatment of excess weight can involve healthy behavior changes, pharmacotherapy, and surgical interventions. Many individuals are able to lose some degree of weight through behavioral changes; however, they are often unable to maintain their weight loss long-term. This is in part due to physiological processes that cannot be addressed through behavioral changes alone. Bariatric surgery, which is the most successful treatment for excess weight to date, does result in physiological changes that can help with weight loss and weight maintenance. However, many patients either do not qualify or elect to not have this procedure. Fortunately, research has recently identified changes in neurochemicals (i.e., orexigens and anorexigens) that occur during weight loss and contribute to weight regain. The neurochemicals and hormones may be able to be targeted by medications to achieve greater and more sustained weight loss. Two medications are approved in adjunction to lifestyle management for weight loss in Canada: orlistat and liraglutide. Both medications are able to target physiological processes to help patients lose weight and maintain a greater amount of weight loss than with just behavioral modifications alone. Two other weight management medications, which also target specific physiological processes to aid in weight loss and its maintenance, a bupropion/naltrexone combination and lorcaserin, are currently pending approval in Canada. Nonetheless, there remain significant barriers for health care professionals to prescribe medications for weight loss, such as a lack of training and knowledge in the area of obesity. Until this has been addressed, and we begin treating obesity as we do other diseases, we are unlikely to combat the increasing trend of obesity in Canada and worldwide. PMID:29042804

A multicomponent nutrient bar promotes weight loss and improves dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in the overweight/obese: Chronic inflammation blunts these improvements

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Poor diets are a major cause of obesity-associated metabolic dysregulation. It is difficult for many people to change dietary patterns. We hypothesized that dietary-induced metabolic dysregulation, and consequent increased risk of disease, is due in large part to what poor diets are lacking; a nutri...

Does psychological functioning mediate the relationship between bullying involvement and weight loss preoccupation in adolescents? A two-stage cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Lee, Kirsty; Guy, Alexa; Dale, Jeremy; Wolke, Dieter

2017-03-24

Adolescent bullying is associated with a range of adversities for those who are bullied i.e., victims and bully-victims (e.g., those who bully others and get victimised), including reduced psychological functioning and eating disorder symptoms. Bullies are generally well-adjusted psychologically, but previous research suggests that bullies may also engage in problematic diet behaviours. This study investigates a) whether adolescents involved in bullying (bullies, victims, bully-victims) are at increased risk of weight loss preoccupation, b) whether psychological functioning mediates this relationship and c) whether sex is a key moderator. A two-stage design was used. In stage 1, adolescents (n = 2782) from five UK secondary schools were screened for bullying involvement using self and peer reports. In stage 2, a sample of bullies, victims, bully-victims and uninvolved adolescents (n = 767) completed a battery of assessments. The measures included the eating behaviours component of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment, which was reduced to one factor (weight loss preoccupation) and used as the outcome variable. Measures of self-esteem, body-esteem and emotional problems were reduced to a latent (mediator) variable of psychological functioning. Multi-group analysis examined the effects of sex and all models were adjusted for covariates (BMI, pubertal stage, age, parental education and ethnicity). Bullies, victims and bully-victims were at increased risk of weight loss preoccupation compared to adolescents uninvolved in bullying. The mechanism by which bullying involvement related to increased weight loss preoccupation varied by bullying role: in bullies the effect was direct, in victims the effect was indirect (via reduced psychological functioning) and in bully-victims the effect was both direct and indirect. Sex significantly moderated the relationship in bullies: weight loss preoccupation was only statistically significant in bullies who were boys. Bullying involvement during adolescence is associated with weight loss preoccupation. Bullies are likely driven by a desire to increase attractiveness and social status; whereas weight loss preoccupation in bullied adolescents may have maladaptive influences on diet and exercise behaviours due to its association with reduced psychological functioning. Future research should consider peer victimisation as a potential modifiable risk factor for reduced psychological functioning and weight loss preoccupation, which if targeted, may help to prevent maladaptive diet and exercise behaviours.

Drought effect on weaning weight and efficiency relative to cow size in semiarid rangeland.

PubMed

Scasta, J D; Henderson, L; Smith, T

2015-12-01

Cow size has been suggested to be an important consideration for selecting cattle to match their production environment. Over the last several decades, the trend in genetic selection for maximum growth has led to gradual increases in beef cow size. An unrelated trend during this same period in the western United States has been an increase in temperature, drought frequency, and drought severity. Due to the potential influence of the increasing cow size trend on nutritional maintenance costs and production, we assessed the effect of cow size on weaning weight and efficiency in relation to drought on a semiarid high-elevation ranch in Wyoming. This study addresses a lack of empirical studies on the interaction between cow size and drought. We measured calf weaning weights of 80 Angus × Gelbvieh cows from 2011 to 2014 and assessed how drought affected weaning weights, efficiency (considered as calf weight relative to cow weight), intake requirements, and potential herd sizes relative to cow size. We stratified cows into 5 weight classes (453, 498, 544, 589, and 634 kg) as a proxy for cow size and adjusted weaning weights to a 210-d calf sex adjusted value. Cow size was a significant factor every year, with different cow sizes having advantages or disadvantages different years relative to weaning weight. However, efficiency for the smallest cows (453 kg) was always greater than efficiency for largest cows (634 kg; < 0.001). Efficiency for the smallest cows was greater in the driest year (0.41 ± 0.02) than efficiency of the largest cows in the wettest years (0.37 ± 0.01). The change in efficiency (ΔE) between wet and dry years was 0.18 for the smallest cow size and 0.02 for the largest cow size, and ΔE decreased as cow size increased. This is an indication of the ability of smaller cows to lower maintenance requirements in response to changes in the production environment but with optimal upside potential when conditions are favorable. These results indicate large cows (589 to 634 kg) do not maximize genetic potential in this production environment when conditions are optimum or provide any advantage over small or moderate size cows (453 to 544 kg) across the drought gradient.

Nutritional support and growth in thalassaemia major

PubMed Central

Fuchs, G; Tienboon, P; Khaled, M; Nimsakul, S; Linpisarn, S; Faruque, A; Yutrabootr, Y; Dewier, M; Suskind, R

1997-01-01

Accepted 30 January 1997
 Twelve thalassaemic children under 3 years of age received intensive nutritional support for one month and were discharged on a prescribed diet of locally available foods. Anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis and dietary intake were longitudinally assessed. Mean energy intake was 20% greater than the recommended daily allowance during nutritional supplementation as compared with below the recommended daily allowance before and after the period of nutritional support. Weight, but not height, significantly increased during the support period and was due to increases in both fat free mass and fat mass. Body weight, fat free mass and fat mass declined in line with the reduced intake upon return home; however, height velocity accelerated and exceeded normal through the fourth month before resuming a below normal rate. It can be concluded that (1) nutritional stunting as the result of reduced nutrient intake is an important cause of growth failure in young children with thalassaemia and is responsive to nutritional support, (2) the deficit in height velocity was due to retarded truncal height growth, and (3) the bioelectrical impedance analysis method is suitable for body composition analysis of thalassaemic children.

 PMID:9245848

Nutritional value of daily food rations of overweight and normal weight pregnant women

PubMed

Bzikowska, Agnieszka; Czerwonogrodzka-Senczyna, Anna; Riahi, Agnieszka; Weker, Halina

Adequate nutrition and nutritional status during pregnancy are essential for mother’s health and foetus development. Due to increased demands, pregnant women are vulnerable to inadequate nutritional status and paradoxically it may also affect overweight women The aim of the study was to evaluate energy and nutrients intake in the group of pregnant women in relation to nutritional standards and pre-pregnancy BMI The study included 90 women, during the third trimester of pregnancy, recruited from Warsaw antenatal classes. The anthropometric data gathered in the research were used to calculate BMI value before pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy BMI was categorised as: normal weight (BMI=18.5-24.9 kg/m2, n=47) and overweight (BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2, n=43). The assessment of women’s nutrition was based on 3-days dietary record. Due to heterogeneous variances, differences between groups were assessed using Mann Whitney U test, p<0.05 was considered as significant The mean intake of energy, protein, fat and carbohydrates in the overweight women were significantly higher than in healthy weight women (p<0.05). Most of the healthy weight women did not reach EAR standard for vitamin D (79.5%), whereas in overweight group it was 41.3% Despite the fact that intakes of energy and all nutrients were higher in overweight women than in normal weight ones, we observed that women in both groups had risk of insufficient supply of energy, iodine, potassium and vitamin D. For this reason, accurate nutritional assessment should be an integral part of obstetric care

Prioritizing material recovery for end-of-life printed circuit boards

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang Xue, E-mail: xxw6590@rit.edu; Gaustad, Gabrielle, E-mail: gabrielle.gaustad@rit.edu

2012-10-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Material recovery driven by composition, choice of ranking, and weighting. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Economic potential for new recycling technologies quantified for several metrics. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Indicators developed for materials incurring high eco-toxicity costs. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Methodology useful for a variety of stakeholders, particularly policy-makers. - Abstract: The increasing growth in generation of electronic waste (e-waste) motivates a variety of waste reduction research. Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are an important sub-set of the overall e-waste stream due to the high value of the materials contained within them and potential toxicity. This work explores several environmental and economic metrics for prioritizing the recovery ofmore » materials from end-of-life PCBs. A weighted sum model is used to investigate the trade-offs among economic value, energy saving potentials, and eco-toxicity. Results show that given equal weights for these three sustainability criteria gold has the highest recovery priority, followed by copper, palladium, aluminum, tin, lead, platinum, nickel, zinc, and silver. However, recovery priority will change significantly due to variation in the composition of PCBs, choice of ranking metrics, and weighting factors when scoring multiple metrics. These results can be used by waste management decision-makers to quantify the value and environmental savings potential for recycling technology development and infrastructure. They can also be extended by policy-makers to inform possible penalties for land-filling PCBs or exporting to the informal recycling sector. The importance of weighting factors when examining recovery trade-offs, particularly for policies regarding PCB collection and recycling are explored further.« less

Thyroxine, shape, and weight: interaction of Graves' disease and bulimia nervosa.

PubMed

Teufel, Martin; Giel, Katrin Elisabeth; Lehr, Jule; Becker, Sandra; Muthig, Michaela; Zipfel, Stephan; Kuprion, Jürgen

2013-03-01

A case of a 25-year-old woman with bulimia nervosa and Graves' disease is presented. Graves' disease is the cause of 50-80 % of hyperthyroidism. The disease is characterized by increases of thyroid hormone production, activation of the metabolism, and successive weight loss. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by purging behavior after binge eating episodes. We report a patient suffering from both entities. A pronounced non-compliance to the intake of antithyroid drugs (Carbimazole) correlated with eating disorder symptoms like negative evaluation of the body and fear of weight gain. Thus, elevated hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease served as a purging method. During 8 weeks of inpatient psychotherapy, the patient adapted to a structured eating behavior. Self-esteem was less influenced by body shape and body weight, and compliance to endocrinological recommendations improved. Non-compliance to antithyroid drugs may be a symptom of an eating disorder. A careful and primarily non-confronting interdisciplinary diagnostic and treatment approach is required.

Anorexia of ageing: a key component in the pathogenesis of both sarcopenia and cachexia

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Abstract The anorexia of aging was first recognized as a physiological syndrome 30 years ago. Its major causes are an alteration in fundal compliance with an increase in antral stretch and enhanced cholecystokinin activity leading to increased satiation.This anorexia leads to weight loss in aging persons and is one of the component causes of the aging related sarcopenia. This physiological anorexia also increases the risk of more severe anorexia when an older person has an increase in inflammatory cytokines such as occurs when they have an illness. This results in an increase in the anorexia due to cachexia in older persons. PMID:28452130

Increased gut microbiota diversity and abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia after fasting: a pilot study.

PubMed

Remely, Marlene; Hippe, Berit; Geretschlaeger, Isabella; Stegmayer, Sonja; Hoefinger, Ingrid; Haslberger, Alexander

2015-05-01

An impaired gut microbiota has been reported as an important factor in the pathogenesis of obesity. Weight reduction has already been mentioned to improve gut microbial subpopulations involved in inflammatory processes, though other subpopulations still need further investigation. Thus, weight reduction in the context of a fasting program together with a probiotic intervention may improve the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota. In this pilot study, overweight people underwent a fasting program with laxative treatment for 1 week followed by a 6 week intervention with a probiotic formula. Gut microbiota were analyzed on the basis of 16s rDNA with a quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, a food frequency questionnaire with questions about nutritional behavior, lifestyle, and physical activity was administered before and after the intervention. We observed an increase in microbial diversity over the study period. No significant changes in abundance of total bacteria, or of Bacteroidetes, Prevotella, Clostridium cluster XIVa, or Clostridium cluster IV were found, although Faecalibacterium prausnitzii showed an increase over the study period. In addition, Akkermanisa and Bifidobacteria increased in abundance due to intervention. The inflammation-associated gut microbes Enterobacteria and Lactobacilli increased during the first week and then declined by the end of the intervention. Two-thirds of the study participants harbored Archaea. No significant improvements of eating habits were reported, although physical activity improved due to the intervention. Our results show that caloric restriction affects gut microbiota by proliferating mucin-degrading microbial subpopulations. An additional intervention with a probiotic formula increased probiotic-administered gut microbial populations.

Impact of maternal obesity on inhaled corticosteroid use in childhood: a registry based analysis of first born children and a sibling pair analysis.

PubMed

Lowe, Adrian J; Ekeus, Cecilia; Bråbäck, Lennart; Rajaleid, Kristiina; Forsberg, Bertil; Hjern, Anders

2013-01-01

It has been proposed that maternal obesity during pregnancy may increase the risk that the child develops allergic disease and asthma, although the mechanisms underpinning this relationship are currently unclear. We sought to assess if this association may be due to confounding by genetic or environmental risk factors that are common to maternal obesity and childhood asthma, using a sibling pair analysis. The study population comprised a Swedish national cohort of term children born between 1992 and 2008 to native Swedish parents. Maternal body mass index (BMI) was measured at 8-10 weeks gestation. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to determine if maternal obesity was associated with increased risk of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in 431,718 first-born children, while adjusting for potential confounders. An age-matched discordant sib-pair analysis was performed, taking into account shared genetic and environmental risk factors. Maternal over-weight and obesity were associated with increased risk that the child would require ICS (for BMI≥35 kg/m(2), aOR = 1.30, 95%CI = 1.10-1.52 compared with normal weight mothers) in children aged 6-12 years. Similar effects were seen in younger children, but in children aged 13-16 years, maternal obesity (BMI≥30) was related to increased risk of ICS use in girls (aOR = 1.28, 95%CI = 1.07-1.53) but not boys (OR = 1.05, 95%CI = 0.87-1.26). The sib-pair analysis, which included 2,034 sib-pairs older than six years who were discordant for both ICS use and maternal BMI category, failed to find any evidence that increasing maternal weight was related to increased risk of ICS use. Maternal obesity is associated with increased risk of childhood ICS use up to approximately 12 years of age, but only in girls after this age. These effects could not be confirmed in a sib pair analysis, suggesting either limited statistical power, or the effects of maternal BMI may be due to shared genetic or environmental risk factors.

Behavioral Intervention in the Overweight and Obese Employee: The Challenge of Promoting Weight Loss and Physical Activity

PubMed Central

Maniwa, Rumi; Iwamoto, Mamiko; Nogi, Akiko; Yamasaki, Masayuki; Yang, Jian-jun; Hanaoka, Hideaki; Shiwaku, Kuninori

2012-01-01

Effects of gender and employment situation on weight loss and lifestyle modification were assessed in a 3-month intervention study done for overweight and obesity. A total of 384 individuals in Izumo City Japan, participated from 2000 to 2006. Lifestyle modifications were quantitatively evaluated by calculating calories of energy intake and expenditure. Eleven men and 15 women failed to complete the intervention; they were significantly younger in both genders, and the women had a higher rate of employment than the completing group (91 men and 267 women). Intervention induced a weight loss of 1.9 kg for men and 1.6 kg for women, with no significant differences by gender. Significant differences were found in changes in energy intake and expenditure in both genders, but these disappeared after adjusting for weight. There were significant decreases in weight (1.6 kg in unemployed, 2.5 kg in employed) in men. Increases in walking and exercise for the employed were smaller than those for the unemployed. The relationship between changes in weight and energy balance by employment status was independently significant using multiple regression analysis. Employment is associated with difficulty in losing weight due to limited exercise time in behavioral intervention. PMID:25648082

The need of a weight management control program in judo: a proposal based on the successful case of wrestling.

PubMed

Artioli, Guilherme G; Franchini, Emerson; Nicastro, Humberto; Sterkowicz, Stanislaw; Solis, Marina Y; Lancha, Antonio H

2010-05-04

Judo competitions are divided into weight classes. However, most athletes reduce their body weight in a few days before competition in order to obtain a competitive advantage over lighter opponents. To achieve fast weight reduction, athletes use a number of aggressive nutritional strategies so many of them place themselves at a high health-injury risk. In collegiate wrestling, a similar problem has been observed and three wrestlers died in 1997 due to rapid weight loss regimes. After these deaths, the National Collegiate Athletic Association had implemented a successful weight management program which was proven to improve weight management behavior. No similar program has ever been discussed by judo federations even though judo competitors present a comparable inappropriate pattern of weight control. In view of this, the basis for a weight control program is provided in this manuscript, as follows: competition should begin within 1 hour after weigh-in, at the latest; each athlete is allowed to be weighed-in only once; rapid weight loss as well as artificial rehydration (i.e., saline infusion) methods are prohibited during the entire competition day; athletes should pass the hydration test to get their weigh-in validated; an individual minimum competitive weight (male athletes competing at no less than 7% and females at no less than 12% of body fat) should be determined at the beginning of each season; athletes are not allowed to compete in any weight class that requires weight reductions greater than 1.5% of body weight per week. In parallel, educational programs should aim at increasing the athletes', coaches' and parents' awareness about the risks of aggressive nutritional strategies as well as healthier ways to properly manage body weight.

Caloric requirement for refeeding inpatients with anorexia nervosa: the contribution of anxiety exercise, and cigarette smoking.

PubMed

Birmingham, C L; Hlynsky, J; Whiteside, L; Geller, J

2005-03-01

Refeeding inpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN) is costly, stressful, and can precipitate the refeeding syndrome. Caloric intake is usually increased gradually from a low starting point until a steady weight gain is achieved. There is no reliable equation that predicts the number of calories required for a weight gain. It was our clinical suspicion that anxiety, exercise, and cigarette smoking might increase the caloric need for refeeding. We conducted an observational cohort study of 17 females with AN admitted to an inpatient eating disorder unit for refeeding. We estimated the energy intake by observation, the caloric expenditure due to exercise with a triaxial accelerometer, the number of cigarettes smoked by history, and the anxiety by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Neither anxiety, exercise, or cigarette smoking predicted the caloric requirement for refeeding, individually or in combination. Our data suggest that the caloric requirement for weight gain during refeeding is not predicted by the patient's anxiety, exercise or smoking habits. The standard methods of estimating caloric requirements for refeeding remain indirect calorimetry and previous history.

The effect of REM sleep deprivation on motivation for food reward.

PubMed

Hanlon, Erin C; Andrzejewski, Matthew E; Harder, Bridgette K; Kelley, Ann E; Benca, Ruth M

2005-08-30

Prolonged sleep deprivation in rats produces a characteristic syndrome consisting of an increase in food intake yet a decrease in weight. Moreover, the increase in food intake generally precedes the weight loss, suggesting that sleep deprivation may affect appetitive behaviors. Using the multiple platform method to produce rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation, we investigated the effect of REM sleep deprivation (REMSD) on motivation for food reward utilizing food-reinforced operant tasks. In acquisition or maintenance of an operant task, REM sleep-deprived rats, with or without simultaneous food restriction, decreased responding for sucrose pellet reward in comparison to controls, despite the fact that all REM sleep-deprived rats lost weight. Furthermore, the overall response deficit of the REM sleep-deprived rats was due to a within-session decline in responding. REM sleep-deprived rats showed evidence of understanding the contingency of the task comparable to controls throughout deprivation period, suggesting that the decrements in responding were not primarily related to deficits in learning or memory. Rather, REM sleep deprivation appears to alter systems involved in motivational processes, reward, and/or attention.

Dextran as a fast resorbable and mechanically stiff coating for flexible neural probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kil, D.; Brancato, L.; Puers, R.

2017-11-01

In this paper we report on the use of dextran as a temporary, fast dissolving stiff coating for flexible neural probes. Although polymer-based neural implants offer several advantages, compared to their rigid silicon counterparts, they pose significant challenges during implantation. Due to their extreme flexibility, they have the tendency to buckle under the axial load applied during insertion. The structural stiffness of the implants can be temporarily increased by applying a bioresorbable dextran coating which eases the penetration of neural tissue. For this application three types of dextran with different molecular weights are analysed. The dissolution rate of the coatings is reported as well as the increased bending stiffness resulting from the dextran coating of Parylene C neural probes. Based on these findings the dissolution rate can be linked to parameters such as molecular weight, coating thickness and the surface area exposed to the dissolution medium. The mechanical characterization yields information on how the structural stiffness of neural probes can be tuned by varying the dextran’s molecular weight and coating thickness.

Transfer of preterm infants from incubator to open cot at lower versus higher body weight.

PubMed

New, K; Flenady, V; Davies, M W

2004-01-01

The use of incubators in helping to maintain a thermoneutral environment for preterm infants has become routine practice in neonatal nurseries. As one of the key criteria for discharging preterm infants from nurseries is their ability to maintain temperature, the infant will need to make the transition from incubator to open cot at some time before discharge. The timing of this transition is important because when an infant is challenged by cold, the infant attempts to increase its heat production to maintain body temperature. The increase in energy expenditure may affect weight gain. The practice of transferring infants from incubators to open cots usually occurs once a weight of around 1700-1800 g has been reached; however, this practice varies widely between neonatal units. This preferred weight mark appears to be largely based on tradition or the personal experience of clinicians, with little consideration of the infant's weight or gestational age at birth. The main objective was to assess the effects on weight gain and temperature control of a policy of transferring preterm infants from incubator to open cot at lower versus higher body weight. Searches were undertaken of MEDLINE from June 2003 back to 1966, CINAHL from June 2003 back to 1987 and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2003). The title and abstract of each retrieved study were examined to assess eligibility. If there was uncertainty, the full paper was examined. Trials in which preterm infants were randomly allocated to a policy of transfer from incubators to open cots at a lower body weight versus at a higher body weight. Quality assessments and data extraction for included trials were conducted independently by the reviewers. Data for individual trial results were analysed using relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD). Results are presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Due to insufficient data, meta-analysis could not be undertaken. Four studies were identified as potentially eligible for inclusion in this review. Two studies were excluded as random allocation to the exposure was not employed. One study is pending, awaiting additional information from the authors. Therefore, one study involving 60 preterm infants, employing a matched-pairs design, which compared the transfer of infants to open cots at 1700 g versus 1800 g, is included in this review. Only two outcomes could be included from this study; return to incubator and daily weight gain. No statistically significant difference was shown for either return to incubator (RR 2.00, 95% CI 0.40 to 10.11) or daily weight gain [MD 4.00 g/day (95% CI -5.23, 13.23)]. Due to small numbers, effects on clinically important outcomes could not be adequately assessed. There is currently little evidence from randomised trials to inform practice on the preferred weight for transferring preterm infants from incubators to open cots. There is a need for larger randomised controlled trials to address this deficiency.

Elimination of Emergency Department Medication Errors Due To Estimated Weights.

PubMed

Greenwalt, Mary; Griffen, David; Wilkerson, Jim

2017-01-01

From 7/2014 through 6/2015, 10 emergency department (ED) medication dosing errors were reported through the electronic incident reporting system of an urban academic medical center. Analysis of these medication errors identified inaccurate estimated weight on patients as the root cause. The goal of this project was to reduce weight-based dosing medication errors due to inaccurate estimated weights on patients presenting to the ED. Chart review revealed that 13.8% of estimated weights documented on admitted ED patients varied more than 10% from subsequent actual admission weights recorded. A random sample of 100 charts containing estimated weights revealed 2 previously unreported significant medication dosage errors (.02 significant error rate). Key improvements included removing barriers to weighing ED patients, storytelling to engage staff and change culture, and removal of the estimated weight documentation field from the ED electronic health record (EHR) forms. With these improvements estimated weights on ED patients, and the resulting medication errors, were eliminated.

Adiposity, post-diagnosis weight change, and risk of cardiovascular events among early-stage breast cancer survivors.

PubMed

Cespedes Feliciano, Elizabeth M; Kwan, Marilyn L; Kushi, Lawrence H; Weltzien, Erin K; Castillo, Adrienne L; Caan, Bette J

2017-04-01

Little research examines whether adiposity or post-diagnosis weight changes influence Cardiovascular disease (CVD) among breast cancer patients for whom effects may differ due to treatment and recovery. We studied Stage I-III breast cancer survivors 18 to  <80 years, without pre-existing CVD, diagnosed from 1997 to 2013 at Kaiser Permanente. Women reported weight at diagnosis and weight and waist circumference (WC) around 24 months post diagnosis. Using Cox models for time to incident coronary artery disease, heart failure, valve abnormality, arrhythmia, stroke, or CVD death, we examined at-diagnosis body mass index (BMI, n = 3109) and post-diagnosis WC (n = 1898) and weight change (n = 1903, stable, ±5 to  <10-lbs or ±≥10-lbs). Mean (SD) age was 57 (11) years, and BMI was 28 (6) kg-m 2 . Post diagnosis, 25% of women gained and 14% lost ≥10-lbs; mean (SD) WC was 90 (15) cm. Over a median of 8.28 years, 915 women developed CVD. BMI 25-30-kg/m 2 (vs. BMI < 25-kg/m 2 ) was not associated with CVD, while BMI ≥ 35-kg/m 2 increased risk by 33% (HR: 1.33; 95%CI 1.08-1.65), independent of lifestyle and tumor/treatment factors. The increased risk at BMI ≥ 35-kg/m 2 attenuated with adjustment for pre-existing CVD risk factors to HR: 1.20; 95%CI 0.97-1.50. By contrast, even moderate elevations in WC increased risk of CVD, independent of pre-existing risk factors (HR: 1.93; 95%CI 1.31-2.84 comparing ≥100-cm vs. ≤80-cm). Post-diagnosis weight change had no association with CVD. Extreme adiposity and any elevation in WC increased risk of CVD among breast cancer survivors; however, changes in weight in the early post-diagnosis period were not associated with CVD. Survivors with high WC and existing CVD risk factors should be monitored.

The effects of partial use of formula diet on weight reduction and metabolic variables in obese type 2 diabetic patients--multicenter trial.

PubMed

Shirai, Kohji; Saiki, Atsuhito; Oikawa, Shinichi; Teramoto, Tamio; Yamada, Nobuhiro; Ishibashi, Shun; Tada, Norio; Miyazaki, Shigeru; Inoue, Ikuo; Murano, Shunichi; Sakane, Naoki; Satoh-Asahara, Noriko; Bujo, Hideaki; Miyashita, Yoh; Saito, Yasushi

2013-01-01

To clarify the usefulness of protein-sparing modified formula diet in obese type 2 diabetic patients, the effects of partial use of formula diet on weight reduction and changes in related metabolic variables, and the improving rates of risk factors per 1% body weight reduction, were compared with those of conventional subcaloric diet. Obese patients [BMI >25 kg/m²] with diabetic mellitus were randomly assigned to a low-caloric diet with partial use of formula diet group (FD, n = 119) and a conventional low-caloric diet group (CD, n = 110). Subjects in FD took one pack of formula diet (MicroDiet®, 240 kcal/pack) in place of one of three daily low-caloric meals for 24 weeks. Total daily calorie prescribed was same. Weight reduction was greater in FD than in CD (week 24: -3.5 vs -1.4 kg; all p < 0.001). Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly only in FD. HbA1c reduction was greater in FD than in CD. HDL-cholesterol increased significantly more in FD than in CD (week 24: +2.8 vs. +0.6 mg/dl, p < 0.001). Among several improving rates (%) of risk factors/1% body weight reduction, those of HbA1c at weeks 16 and 24, triglyceride at week 8 and HDL-cholesterol at week 24, were significantly higher in FD than CD. Doses of sulfonylurea and thiazolidinedione were significantly decreased in FD than in CD. Partial use of formula diet was much more effective in reducing body weight, and also in improving coronary risk factors than conventional diet in part due to reduced body weight through decreased energy diet intake and due to dietary composition of the formula diet. © 2013 Asian Oceanian Association for the Study of Obesity . Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Renal Oxygenation Level Changes after Water Loading Using Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging and T2* Mapping.

PubMed

Ding, Jiule; Xing, Wei; Wu, Dongmei; Chen, Jie; Pan, Liang; Sun, Jun; Xing, Shijun; Dai, Yongming

2015-01-01

To assess the feasibility of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) while monitoring changes in renal oxygenation level after water loading. Thirty-two volunteers (age, 28.0 ± 2.2 years) were enrolled in this study. SWI and multi-echo gradient echo sequence-based T2(*) mapping were used to cover the kidney before and after water loading. Cortical and medullary parameters were measured using small regions of interest, and their relative changes due to water loading were calculated based on baseline and post-water loading data. An intraclass correlation coefficient analysis was used to assess inter-observer reliability of each parameter. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to compare the performance of the two methods for detecting renal oxygenation changes due to water loading. Both medullary phase and medullary T2(*) values increased after water loading (p < 0.001), although poor correlations were found between the phase changes and the T2(*) changes (p > 0.05). Interobserver reliability was excellent for the T2(*) values, good for SWI cortical phase values, and moderate for the SWI medullary phase values. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of the SWI medullary phase values was 0.85 and was not different from the medullary T2(*) value (0.84). Susceptibility-weighted imaging enabled monitoring changes in the oxygenation level in the medulla after water loading, and may allow comparable feasibility to detect renal oxygenation level changes due to water loading compared with that of T2(*) mapping.

Modeling electrostatic and heterogeneity effects on proton dissociation from humic substances

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tipping, E.; Reddy, M.M.; Hurley, M.A.

1990-01-01

The apparent acid dissociation constant of humic substances increases by 2-4 pK units as ionization of the humic carboxylate groups proceeds. This change in apparent acid strength is due in part to the increase in electrical charge on the humic molecules as protons are shed. In addition, proton dissociation reactions are complicated because humic substances are heterogeneous with respect to proton dissociating groups and molecular size. In this paper, we use the Debye-Hu??ckel theory to describe the effects of electrostatic interactions on proton dissociation of humic substances. Simulations show that, for a size-heterogeneous system of molecules, the weight-average molecular weight is preferable to the number-average value for averaging the effects of electrostatic interactions. Analysis of published data on the proton dissociation of fulvic acid from the Suwannee River shows that the electrostatic interactions can be satisfactorily described by a hypothetical homogeneous compound having a molecular weight of 1000 (similar to the experimentally determined weight-average value). Titration data at three ionic strengths, for several fulvic acid concentrations, and in the pH range from 2.9 to 6.4 can be fitted with three adjustable parameters (pK??int values), given information on molecular size and carboxylate group content. ?? 1990 American Chemical Society.

Variations of body composition, physical activity and caloric intake in schoolchildren during national holidays.

PubMed

Cristi-Montero, Carlos; Munizaga, Cristian; Tejos, Constanza; Ayala, Raquel; Henríquez, Raúl; Solís-Urra, Patricio; Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Fernando

2016-06-01

Scientific literature has described that a significant body weight increase in schoolchildren occurs during some holiday periods (summer, winter, and thanksgiving holidays), harming their health. In this regard, it is thought that this phenomenon is mainly due to changes in eating habits and the variation in levels of physical activity; however, this approach has not yet been explored during national holidays (NAH) in Chile. To determine any changes in body composition, physical activity and caloric intake during NAH. A total of 46 schoolchildren (24 boys, age 10.5 ± 0.5; BMI 21.7 ± 4.7) participated. Measurements were performed 2 days before and after the NAH (9 days). Weight was measured and fat percentage was established using the Slaughter formula. Levels of physical activity were measured with accelerometers, validating 3 weekdays and 1 weekend; caloric intake was established through a 24-h recall. Weight, percentage of fat and caloric intake increased significantly (250 g, 2.2 % and 733.3 kcal, respectively; p < 0.05); however, none of the variables of physical activity showed significant changes. The change in caloric intake seems to be the main cause of weight and fat gain during the NAH.

Enhanced the performance of graphene oxide/polyimide hybrid membrane for CO2 separation by surface modification of graphene oxide using polyethylene glycol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Li-guang; Yang, Cai-hong; Wang, Ting; Zhang, Xue-yang

2018-05-01

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) with different molecular weights was first used to modify graphene oxide (GO) samples. Subsequently, polyimide (PI) hybrid membranes containing modified-GO were fabricated via in situ polymerization. The separation performance of these hybrid membranes was evaluated using permeation experiments for CO2 and N2 gases. The morphology characterization showed that PEG with suitable molecular weight could be successfully grafted on the GO surface. PEG modification altered the surface properties of GO and introduced defective structures onto GO surface. This caused strong surface polarity and high free volume of membranes containing PEG-modified GO, thereby improving the separation performance of membranes. The addition of PEG-GO with low molecular weight effectively increased gas diffusion through hybrid membranes. The hybrid membranes containing PEG-GO with large molecular weight had high solubility performance for CO2 gas due to the introduction of numerous polar groups into polymeric membranes. With the loading content of modified GO, the CO2 gas permeability of hybrid membranes initially increased but eventually decreased. The optimal content of modified GO in membranes reached 3.0 wt%. When too much PEG added (exceeding 30 g), some impurities formed on GO surface and some aggregates appeared in the resulting hybrid membrane, which depressed the membrane performance.

Infant feeding with soy formula milk: effects on puberty progression, reproductive function and testicular cell numbers in marmoset monkeys in adulthood.

PubMed

Tan, Karen A L; Walker, Marion; Morris, Keith; Greig, Irene; Mason, J Ian; Sharpe, Richard M

2006-04-01

This marmoset study addresses concerns about feeding human male infants with soy formula milk (SFM). From age 4 to 5 days, seven male co-twin sets were fed standard formula milk (SMA) or SFM for 5-6 weeks; blood samples were subsequently collected at 10-week intervals. Testes from co-twins killed at 120-138 weeks were fixed for cell counts. SFM- and SMA-fed twins showed normal weight gain; puberty started and progressed normally, based on blood testosterone measurements. Body weight, organ weights (prostate, seminal vesicles, pituitary, thymus and spleen) and penis length were comparable in co-twins. All SMA- and 6/7 SFM-fed males were fertile. Unexpectedly, testis weight (P = 0.041), Sertoli (P = 0.025) and Leydig cell (P = 0.026) numbers per testis were consistently increased in SFM-fed co-twins; the increase in Leydig cell numbers was most marked in males with consistently low-normal testosterone levels. Seminiferous epithelium volume per tubule showed a less consistent, non-significant increase in SFM-fed males; raised germ cell numbers per testis, probably due to increased Sertoli cells, conceivably resulted in larger testes. Average lumen size, although greater in SFM-fed group, was inconsistent between co-twins and the difference was not significant. Infant feeding with SFM has no gross adverse reproductive effects in male marmosets, though it alters testis size and cell composition, and there is consistent, if indirect, evidence for possible 'compensated Leydig cell failure'. Similar and perhaps larger changes likely occur in adult men who were fed SFM as infants.

Progestin-only contraceptives: effects on weight

PubMed Central

Lopez, Laureen M; Edelman, Alison; Chen-Mok, Mario; Trussell, James; Helmerhorst, Frans M

2015-01-01

Background Progestin-only contraceptives (POCs) are appropriate for many women who cannot or should not take estrogen. Many POCs are long-acting, cost-effective methods of preventing pregnancy. However, concern about weight gain can deter the initiation of contraceptives and cause early discontinuation among users. Objectives The primary objective was to evaluate the association between progestin-only contraceptive use and changes in body weight. Search strategy We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, POPLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP, and contacted investigators to identify other trials. Selection criteria All comparative studies were eligible that examined a POC versus another method or no contraceptive. The primary outcome was mean change in body weight or body composition. Data collection and analysis Two authors extracted the data. We computed the mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) for continuous variables and odds ratio with 95% CI for dichotomous variables. Main results We did not conduct meta-analysis due to the various contraceptive methods and weight change measures. Fifteen studies examined progestin-only pills (N=1), Norplant (N=4), and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) (N=10). Comparison groups were similar for weight change in 11 studies. Four studies showed differences in weight or body composition change for POCs compared to no hormonal method. Adolescents using DMPA had a greater increase in body fat (%) versus a group using no hormonal method (mean difference 11.00; 95% CI 2.64 to 19.36). The DMPA group also had a greater decrease in lean body mass (%) (mean difference −4.00; 95% CI −6.93 to −1.07). In another study, weight gain (kg) was greater for the DMPA group than an IUD group (mean difference 2.28, 2.71, 3.17, respectively). The differences were notable within the normal weight and overweight subgroups. One study showed the Norplant (six-capsule) group had greater weight gain (kg) than a non-hormonal IUD group (mean difference 0.47 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.65) and a group using non-hormonal or no method (mean difference 0.74; 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96). Another study also showed a Norplant group also had greater weight gain (kg) than an IUD group (mean difference 1.10; 95% CI 0.36 to 1.84). Authors’ conclusions We found little evidence of weight gain when using POCs. Mean gain was less than 2 kg for most studies up to 12 months, and usually similar for the comparison group using another contraceptive. Appropriate counseling about typical weight gain may help reduce discontinuation of contraceptives due to perceptions of weight gain. PMID:21491411

Birth Weight, Physical Morbidity, and Mortality: A Population-based Sibling-Comparison Study

PubMed Central

Class, Quetzal A.; Rickert, Martin E.; Lichtenstein, Paul; D'Onofrio, Brian M.

2014-01-01

Associations between low birth weight (≤2,500 g) and increased risk of mortality and morbidity provided the foundation for the “developmental origins of health and disease” hypothesis. Previous between-family studies could not control for unmeasured confounders. Therefore, we compared differentially exposed siblings to estimate the extent to which the associations were due to uncontrolled factors. Our population cohort included 3,291,773 persons born in Sweden from 1973 to 2008. Analyses controlled for gestational age, among other covariates, and considered birth weight as both an ordinal and a continuous variable. Outcomes included mortality after 1 year, cardiac-related death, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, pulmonary circulation problems, stroke, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We fitted fixed-effects models to compare siblings and conducted sensitivity analyses to test alternative explanations. Across the population, the lower the birth weight, the greater the risk of mortality (e.g., cardiac-related death (low birth weight hazard ratio = 2.69, 95% confidence interval: 2.05, 3.53)) and morbidity (e.g., type 2 diabetes mellitus (low birth weight hazard ratio = 1.79, 95% confidence interval: 1.50, 2.14)) outcomes in comparison with normal birth weight. All associations were independent of shared familial confounders and measured covariates. Results emphasize the importance of birth weight as a risk factor for subsequent mortality and morbidity. PMID:24355331

Can limiting dietary variety assist with reducing energy intake and weight loss?☆

PubMed Central

Raynor, Hollie A.

2013-01-01

Due to the high prevalence of overweight and obesity, developing strategies to improve weight loss and weight loss maintenance is imperative. One dietary environmental variable that has received little attention in being targeted in an intervention to assist with obesity treatment is dietary variety. Experimental research has consistently shown that greater dietary variety increases consumption, with the effect of variety on consumption hypothesized to be a consequence of the differential experience of the more varied sensory properties of food under those conditions with greater dietary variety. As reduced energy intake is required for weight loss, limiting variety, particularly in food groups that are high in energy-density and low in nutrient-density, may assist with reducing energy intake and improving weight loss. A series of investigations, both observational and experimental, were conducted to examine if limiting variety in an energydense, non-nutrient-dense food group, snack foods (i.e., cookies, chips), assisted with reducing energy intake of the food group and improving weight loss. Results of the investigations suggest that a prescription for limiting variety in a food group can be implemented during obesity treatment, limiting variety is associated with the occurrence of monotony, and that reducing food group variety is related to decreased consumption of that food group. Future research is needed to ascertain the long-term effect of prescriptions targeting dietary variety on weight loss and weight loss maintenance. PMID:22450259

General aviation accidents related to exceedance of airplane weight/center of gravity limits.

PubMed

Boyd, Douglas D

2016-06-01

Obesity, affects a third of the US population and its corollary occupant weight adversely impacts safe flight operations. Increased aircraft weight results in longer takeoff/landing distances, degraded climb gradients and airframe failure may occur in turbulence. In this study, the rate, temporal changes, and lethality of accidents in piston-powered, general aviation aircraft related to exceeding the maximum aircraft weight/center of gravity (CG) limits were determined. Nation-wide person body mass were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The NTSB database was used to identify accidents related to operation of aircraft outside of their weight/CG envelope. Statistical analyses employed T-tests, proportion tests and a Poisson distribution. While the average body mass climbed steadily (p<0.001) between 1999 and 2014 the rate of accidents related to exceedance of the weight/CG limits did not change (p=0.072). However, 57% were fatal, higher (p<0.001) than the 21% for mishaps attributed to other causes/factors. The majority (77%) of accidents were due to an overloaded aircraft operating within its CG limits. As to the phase of flight, accidents during takeoff and those occurring enroute carried the lowest (50%) and highest (85%) proportion of fatal accidents respectively. While the rate of general aviation accidents related to operating an aircraft outside of its weight/CG envelope has not increased over the past 15 years, these types of accidents carry a high risk of fatality. Airmen should be educated as to such risks and to dispel the notion held by some that flights may be safely conducted with an overloaded aircraft within its CG limits. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Psychosocial predictors of quality of life and weight loss two years after bariatric surgery: Results from the Toronto Bari-PSYCH study.

PubMed

Sockalingam, Sanjeev; Hawa, Raed; Wnuk, Susan; Santiago, Vincent; Kowgier, Matthew; Jackson, Timothy; Okrainec, Allan; Cassin, Stephanie

2017-07-01

Studies exploring the impact of pre-surgery psychiatric status as a predictor of health related quality of life (QOL) after bariatric surgery have been limited to short-term follow-up and variable use of psychosocial measures. We examined the effect of pre-operative psychiatric factors on QOL and weight loss 2-years after surgery. 156 patients participated in this prospective cohort study, the Toronto Bariatric Psychosocial Cohort Study, between 2010 and 2014. Patients were assessed pre-surgery for demographic factors, weight, psychiatric diagnosis using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview and symptom measures for QOL, depression and anxiety at pre-surgery and at 1 and 2years post-surgery. At 2-years post-bariatric surgery, patients experienced a significant decrease in mean weight (-48.43kg, 95% [-51.1, -45.76]) and an increase only in physical QOL (+18.91, 95% [17.01, 20.82]) scores as compared to pre-surgery. Multivariate regression analysis identified pre-surgery physical QOL score (p<0.001), younger age (p=0.005), and a history of a mood disorder as significant predictors of physical QOL. Only a history of a mood disorder (p=0.032) significantly predicted mental QOL (p=0.006). Pre-surgery weight (p<0.001) and a history of a mood disorder (p=0.047) were significant predictors of weight loss 2-years post-surgery. Bariatric surgery had a sustained impact on physical QOL but not mental QOL at 2-years post-surgery. A history of mood disorder unexpectedly increased physical QOL scores and weight loss following surgery. Further research is needed to determine if these results are due to bariatric surgery candidate selection within this program. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Recovery of insulin sensitivity and optimal body composition after rapid weight loss in obese dogs fed a high-protein medium-carbohydrate diet.

PubMed

André, A; Leriche, I; Chaix, G; Thorin, C; Burger, M; Nguyen, P

2017-06-01

This study investigated the effects of an experimental high-protein medium-carbohydrate diet (protein level, 46% metabolizable energy, ME). First, postprandial plasma glucose and insulin kinetics were determined in steady-state overweight/obese Beagle dogs (28%-41% excess body weight) for an experimental high-protein medium-carbohydrate diet (protein level, 46% ME) and a commercial high-carbohydrate medium-protein diet (protein level, 24%ME) in obese dogs. Secondly, all the dogs were included in a weight loss programme. They were fed the high-protein medium-carbohydrate diet, and the energy allocation was gradually reduced until they reached their optimal body weight. Insulin sensitivity and body composition were evaluated before and after weight loss using a euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp and the deuterium oxide dilution technique respectively. For statistical analysis, linear mixed effect models were used with a significance level of 5%. Postprandial plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were substantially lower with the high-protein medium-carbohydrate diet than the high-carbohydrate medium-protein diet. These differences can be explained mainly by the difference in carbohydrate content between the two diets. Energy restriction (35% lower energy intake than in the obese state) resulted in a 2.23 ± 0.05% loss in body weight/week, and the dogs reached their optimal body weight in 12-16 weeks. Weight loss was associated with a significant increase in insulin sensitivity. The high-protein medium-carbohydrate diet allowed fat-free mass preservation despite a relatively high rate of weekly weight loss. The increase in insulin sensitivity indicated improved control of carbohydrate metabolism, possible due to weight loss and to the nature of the diet. Thus, a high-protein medium-carbohydrate diet is a good nutritional solution for managing the weight of overweight dogs. This diet may improve glycaemic control, which could be beneficial for preventing or managing impaired glucose tolerance in obese dogs and for safe and successful weight loss while preserving lean body mass. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Prenatal and postnatal mothering by diesel exhaust PM2.5-exposed dams differentially program mouse energy metabolism.

PubMed

Chen, Minjie; Liang, Shuai; Zhou, Huifen; Xu, Yanyi; Qin, Xiaobo; Hu, Ziying; Wang, Xiaoke; Qiu, Lianglin; Wang, Wanjun; Zhang, Yuhao; Ying, Zhekang

2017-01-18

Obesity is one of the leading threats to global public health. It is consequent to abnormal energy metabolism. Currently, it has been well established that maternal exposure to environmental stressors that cause inappropriate fetal development may have long-term adverse effects on offspring energy metabolism in an exposure timing-dependent manner, known as developmental programming of health and diseases paradigm. Rapidly increasing evidence has indicated that maternal exposure to ambient fine particles (PM 2.5 ) correlates to abnormal fetal development. In the present study, we therefore assessed whether maternal exposure to diesel exhaust PM 2.5 (DEP), the major component of ambient PM 2.5 in urban areas, programs offspring energy metabolism, and further examined how the timing of exposure impacts this programming. The growth trajectory of offspring shows that although prenatal maternal exposure to DEP did not impact the birth weight of offspring, it significantly decreased offspring body weight from postnatal week 2 until the end of observation. This weight loss effect of prenatal maternal exposure to DEP coincided with decreased food intake but not alteration in brown adipose tissue (BAT) morphology. The hypophagic effect of prenatal maternal exposure to DEP was in concord with decreased hypothalamic expression of an orexigenic peptide NPY, suggesting that the prenatal maternal exposure to DEP impacts offspring energy balance primarily through programming of food intake. Paradoxically, the reduced body weight resulted from prenatal maternal exposure to DEP was accompanied by increased mass of epididymal adipose tissue, which was due to hyperplasia as morphological analysis did not observe any hypertrophy. In direct contrast, the postnatal mothering by DEP-exposed dams increased offspring body weight during lactation and adulthood, paralleled by markedly increased fat accumulation and decreased UCP1 expression in BAT but not alteration in food intake. The weight gain induced by postnatal mothering by DEP-exposed dams was also expressed as an increased adiposity. But it concurred with a marked hypertrophy of adipocytes. Prenatal and postnatal mothering by DEP-exposed dams differentially program offspring energy metabolism, underscoring consideration of the exposure timing when examining the adverse effects of maternal exposure to ambient PM 2.5 .

Trends in the Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Chinese Preschool Children from 2006 to 2014.

PubMed

Xiao, Yanyu; Qiao, Yijuan; Pan, Lei; Liu, Jin; Zhang, Tao; Li, Nan; Liu, Enqing; Wang, Yue; Liu, Hongyan; Liu, Gongshu; Huang, Guowei; Hu, Gang

2015-01-01

To examine the trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among preschool children from 2006 to 2014. A total of 145,078 children aged 3-6 years from 46 kindergartens finished the annual health examination in Tianjin, China. Height, weight and other information were obtained using standardized methods. Z-scores for weight, height, and BMI were calculated based on the standards for the World Health Organization (WHO) child growth standards. From 2006 to 2014, mean values of height z-scores significantly increased from 0.34 to 0.54, mean values of weight z-scores kept constant, and mean values of BMI z-scores significantly decreased from 0.40 to 0.23. Mean values of height z-scores, weight z-scores, and BMI z-scores slightly decreased among children from 3 to 4 years old, and then increased among children from 4 to 6 years old. Between 2006 and 2014, there were no significant changes in prevalence of overweight (BMI z-scores >2 SD) and obesity (BMI z-scores >3 SD) among 3-4 years children. However, prevalence of obesity (BMI z-scores >2 SD) increased from 8.8% in 2006 to 10.1% in 2010, and then kept stable until 2014 among 5-6 years children. Boys had higher prevalence of obesity than girls. Mean values of BMI z-scores decreased from 2006 to 2014 among Chinese children aged 3-6 years old due to the significant increase of height z-scores. Prevalence of obesity increased from 2006 to 2010, and then kept stable until 2014 among children aged 5-6 years. The prevalence of obesity was higher in boys than in girls.

The spinal posture of computing adolescents in a real-life setting

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background It is assumed that good postural alignment is associated with the less likelihood of musculoskeletal pain symptoms. Encouraging good sitting postures have not reported consequent musculoskeletal pain reduction in school-based populations, possibly due to a lack of clear understanding of good posture. Therefore this paper describes the variability of postural angles in a cohort of asymptomatic high-school students whilst working on desk-top computers in a school computer classroom and to report on the relationship between the postural angles and age, gender, height, weight and computer use. Methods The baseline data from a 12 month longitudinal study is reported. The study was conducted in South African school computer classrooms. 194 Grade 10 high-school students, from randomly selected high-schools, aged 15–17 years, enrolled in Computer Application Technology for the first time, asymptomatic during the preceding month, and from whom written informed consent were obtained, participated in the study. The 3D Posture Analysis Tool captured five postural angles (head flexion, neck flexion, cranio-cervical angle, trunk flexion and head lateral bend) while the students were working on desk-top computers. Height, weight and computer use were also measured. Individual and combinations of postural angles were analysed. Results 944 Students were screened for eligibility of which the data of 194 students are reported. Trunk flexion was the most variable angle. Increased neck flexion and the combination of increased head flexion, neck flexion and trunk flexion were significantly associated with increased weight and BMI (p = 0.0001). Conclusions High-school students sit with greater ranges of trunk flexion (leaning forward or reclining) when using the classroom computer. Increased weight is significantly associated with increased sagittal plane postural angles. PMID:24950887

Zinc-α2-glycoprotein expression in adipose tissue of obese postmenopausal women before and after weight loss and exercise + weight loss.

PubMed

Ge, Shealinna; Ryan, Alice S

2014-08-01

Zinc-Alpha 2-Glycoprotein (ZAG) has recently been implicated in the regulation of adipose tissue metabolism due to its negative association with obesity and insulin resistance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between adipose tissue ZAG expression and central obesity, and the effects of six-months of weight loss (WL) or aerobic exercise + weight loss (AEX + WL) on ZAG expression. A six-month, longitudinal study of 33 healthy, overweight or obese postmenopausal women (BMI: 25-46 kg/m(2)) was conducted. Abdominal and gluteal adipose tissue samples were obtained before and after AEX + WL (n = 17) and WL (n = 16). ZAG expression was determined by RT-PCR. Prior to interventions, abdominal ZAG expression was negatively correlated with visceral fat (r = -0.50, P < 0.005), sagittal diameter (r = -0.42, P < 0.05), and positively related to VO(2)max (r = 0.37, P < 0.05). Gluteal ZAG expression was negatively correlated with weight, fat-free mass, visceral fat, resting metabolic rate, and fasting insulin (r = -0.39 to -0.50, all P < 0.05). Abdominal ZAG mRNA levels increased, though not significantly, 5% after AEX + WL and 11% after WL. Gluteal ZAG mRNA levels also did not change significantly with AEX + WL and WL. Abdominal ZAG expression may be important in central fat accumulation and fitness but only modestly increase (nonsignificantly) with weight reduction alone or with aerobic training in obese postmenopausal women. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Protective effects of green tea on olanzapine-induced-metabolic syndrome in rats.

PubMed

Razavi, Bibi Marjan; Lookian, Fariba; Hosseinzadeh, Hossein

2017-08-01

Atypical antipsychotics particularly olanzapine are associated with obesity and serious metabolic disturbances. As green tea (Camellia sinensis) is generally associated with beneficial effects on obesity and other metabolic disturbances, this study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of green tea aqueous extract (GTAE) on olanzapine induced weight gain and metabolic abnormalities in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: control, olanzapine (5mg/kg/day, IP.), GTAE (25, 50 and 100mg/kg/day, IP.) plus olanzapine and GTAE (25, 50 and 100mg/kg/day, IP.). Treatments were continued for 11 days. Body weight gain, average food and water intake were measured during the experiment. Plasma lipid, glucose and leptin levels, mean systolic blood pressure and total locomotion were evaluated at the end of experiment. Olanzapine induced significant weight gain at the end of treatment (10.38% of body weight) when compared to control (3.13% of body weight) in male Wistar rats. Average food and water intake were increased by olanzapine treatment. 11days olanzapine administration led to hyperleptinemia, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Olanzapine also increased mean systolic blood pressure and decreased total locomotion. GTAE decreased significantly body weight gain and average food and water intake, improved the changes in lipid profile as well as fasting blood glucose, and finally decreased hyperleptinemia and hypertension induced by olanzapine. Results of this study demonstrated that GTAE could exert protective effects against olanzapine induced obesity partially due to its lowering effect on leptin. GTAE improved other metabolic abnormalities including dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and hypertension induced by olanzapine in rats. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of left ventricular Tei index (index of myocardial performance) in healthy dogs and dogs with mitral regurgitation.

PubMed

Teshima, Kenji; Asano, Kazushi; Iwanaga, Koji; Koie, Hiroshi; Uechi, Masami; Kato, Yuka; Kutara, Kenji; Kanno, Nobuyuki; Seki, Mamiko; Edamura, Kazuya; Hasegawa, Atsuhiko; Tanaka, Shigeo

2007-02-01

The left ventricular (LV) Tei index (index of myocardial performance) has been demonstrated to be clinically useful in estimating comprehensive LV function, including the systolic and diastolic performances, in various human cardiac diseases. The purposes of this study were to validate the correlation between the LV Tei index and LV function obtained by cardiac catheterization in healthy dogs, and to evaluate the LV Tei index in dogs with naturally occurring mitral regurgitation (MR). In healthy dogs, the LV Tei index was significantly correlated with the LV peak +dP/dt (r = -0.89) and LV peak -dP/dt (r=0.87). The LV Tei index significantly increased in dogs with MR compared with normal dogs and significantly increased with progressively more severe clinical signs due to heart failure. The elevation of the LV Tei index in dogs with symptomatic MR appears to be associated with shortening of ejection time. The LV Tei index significantly increased with age and was not correlated with heart rate and body weight in normal dogs. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the LV Tei index was measurable in dogs and not influenced by heart rate and body weight. The LV Tei index significantly increased with the progression of clinical signs in MR dogs. In particular, the elevation of the LV Tei index in dogs with symptomatic MR due to shortening of ejection time may suggest LV systolic dysfunction and the decrement of forward stroke volume.

Weight Gain in Survivors Living in Temporary Housing in the Tsunami-Stricken Area during the Recovery Phase following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

PubMed

Takahashi, Shuko; Yonekura, Yuki; Sasaki, Ryohei; Yokoyama, Yukari; Tanno, Kozo; Sakata, Kiyomi; Ogawa, Akira; Kobayashi, Seichiro; Yamamoto, Taro

2016-01-01

Survivors who lost their homes in the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami were forced to live in difficult conditions in temporary housing several months after the disaster. Body weights of survivors living in temporary housing for a long period might increase due to changes in their life style and psychosocial state during the medium-term and long-term recovery phases. The aim of this study was to determine whether there were differences between body weight changes of people living in temporary housing and those not living in temporary housing in a tsunami-stricken area during the medium-term and long-term recovery phases. Health check-ups were performed about 7 months after the disaster (in 2011) and about 18 months after the disaster (in 2012) for people living in a tsunami-stricken area (n = 6,601, mean age = 62.3 y). We compared the changes in body weight in people living in temporary housing (TH group, n = 2,002) and those not living in temporary housing (NTH group, n = 4,599) using a multiple linear regression model. While there was no significant difference between body weights in the TH and NTH groups in the 2011 survey, there was a significant difference between the mean changes in body weight in both sexes. We found that the changes in body weight were significantly greater in the TH group than in the NTH group in both sexes. The partial regression coefficients of mean change in body weight were +0.52 kg (P-value < 0.001) in males in the TH group and +0.56 kg (P-value < 0.001) in females in the TH group (reference: NTH group). Analysis after adjustment for life style, psychosocial factors and cardiovascular risk factors found that people living in temporary housing in the tsunami- stricken area had a significant increase in body weight.

Review of Childhood Obesity: From Epidemiology, Etiology, and Comorbidities to Clinical Assessment and Treatment.

PubMed

Kumar, Seema; Kelly, Aaron S

2017-02-01

Childhood obesity has emerged as an important public health problem in the United States and other countries in the world. Currently 1 in 3 children in the United States is afflicted with overweight or obesity. The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity is associated with emergence of comorbidities previously considered to be "adult" diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and dyslipidemia. The most common cause of obesity in children is a positive energy balance due to caloric intake in excess of caloric expenditure combined with a genetic predisposition for weight gain. Most obese children do not have an underlying endocrine or single genetic cause for their weight gain. Evaluation of children with obesity is aimed at determining the cause of weight gain and assessing for comorbidities resulting from excess weight. Family-based lifestyle interventions, including dietary modifications and increased physical activity, are the cornerstone of weight management in children. A staged approach to pediatric weight management is recommended with consideration of the age of the child, severity of obesity, and presence of obesity-related comorbidities in determining the initial stage of treatment. Lifestyle interventions have shown only modest effect on weight loss, particularly in children with severe obesity. There is limited information on the efficacy and safety of medications for weight loss in children. Bariatric surgery has been found to be effective in decreasing excess weight and improving comorbidities in adolescents with severe obesity. However, there are limited data on the long-term efficacy and safety of bariatric surgery in adolescents. For this comprehensive review, the literature was scanned from 1994 to 2016 using PubMed using the following search terms: childhood obesity, pediatric obesity, childhood overweight, bariatric surgery, and adolescents. Copyright © 2016 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of beta-adrenergic blockade with carvedilol on cachexia in severe chronic heart failure: results from the COPERNICUS trial.

PubMed

Clark, Andrew L; Coats, Andrew J S; Krum, Henry; Katus, Hugo A; Mohacsi, Paul; Salekin, Damien; Schultz, Melissa K; Packer, Milton; Anker, Stefan D

2017-08-01

Cardiac cachexia frequently accompanies the progression of heart failure despite the use of effective therapies for left ventricular dysfunction. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of weight loss, but the effects of sympathetic antagonism on cachexia are not well defined. We prospectively evaluated changes in body weight in 2289 patients with heart failure who had dyspnoea at rest or on minimal exertion and a left ventricular ejection fraction <25%. Patients were randomly assigned (double-blind) to receive either placebo (n = 1133) or carvedilol (n = 1156) and were followed for the occurrence of major clinical events for up to 29 months (COPERNICUS trial). Patients were not enrolled if they had signs of clinically significant fluid retention due to heart failure. Patients in the carvedilol group were 33% less likely than patients in the placebo group to experience a further significant loss of weight (>6%) (95% confidence interval: 14-48%, P = 0.002) and were 37% more likely to experience a significant gain in weight (≥5%) (95% confidence interval: 12-66%, P = 0.002). Carvedilol's ability to prevent weight loss was most marked in patients with increased body mass index at baseline, whereas its ability to promote weight gain was most marked in patients with decreased body mass index at baseline. Increases in weight were not accompanied by evidence of fluid retention. Baseline values for body mass index and change in body weight were significant predictors of survival regardless of treatment. Carvedilol attenuated the development and promoted a partial reversal of cachexia in patients with severe chronic heart failure, supporting a role for prolonged sympathetic activation in the genesis of weight loss. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the Society on Sarcopenia, Cachexia and Wasting Disorders.

Weight Gain in Survivors Living in Temporary Housing in the Tsunami-Stricken Area during the Recovery Phase following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

PubMed Central

Yonekura, Yuki; Sasaki, Ryohei; Yokoyama, Yukari; Tanno, Kozo; Sakata, Kiyomi; Ogawa, Akira; Kobayashi, Seichiro; Yamamoto, Taro

2016-01-01

Introduction Survivors who lost their homes in the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami were forced to live in difficult conditions in temporary housing several months after the disaster. Body weights of survivors living in temporary housing for a long period might increase due to changes in their life style and psychosocial state during the medium-term and long-term recovery phases. The aim of this study was to determine whether there were differences between body weight changes of people living in temporary housing and those not living in temporary housing in a tsunami-stricken area during the medium-term and long-term recovery phases. Materials and methods Health check-ups were performed about 7 months after the disaster (in 2011) and about 18 months after the disaster (in 2012) for people living in a tsunami-stricken area (n = 6,601, mean age = 62.3 y). We compared the changes in body weight in people living in temporary housing (TH group, n = 2,002) and those not living in temporary housing (NTH group, n = 4,599) using a multiple linear regression model. Results While there was no significant difference between body weights in the TH and NTH groups in the 2011 survey, there was a significant difference between the mean changes in body weight in both sexes. We found that the changes in body weight were significantly greater in the TH group than in the NTH group in both sexes. The partial regression coefficients of mean change in body weight were +0.52 kg (P-value < 0.001) in males in the TH group and +0.56 kg (P-value < 0.001) in females in the TH group (reference: NTH group). Conclusion Analysis after adjustment for life style, psychosocial factors and cardiovascular risk factors found that people living in temporary housing in the tsunami- stricken area had a significant increase in body weight. PMID:27907015

Bioconcentration of perfluoroalkyl substances by Chironomus plumosus larvae in water with different types of dissolved organic matters.

PubMed

Wen, Wu; Xia, Xinghui; Chen, Xi; Wang, Haotian; Zhu, Baotong; Li, Husheng; Li, Yang

2016-06-01

The effects of four types of dissolved organic matters (DOM) on the bioconcentration of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in Chironomus plumosus larvae have been studied. The PFASs included perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA), and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA). The DOM included humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA), tannic acid (TA), and a protein, peptone (PEP), and their concentrations ranged from 0 to 50 mg L(-1). The results showed that, upon bioconcentration equilibrium, the body burdens of longer perfluoroalkyl chain PFASs (PFOS, PFDA, PFUnA and PFDoA) decreased with PEP and HA concentrations while increased with FA and TA concentrations. When FA and TA concentrations increased from 0 to 50 mg L(-1), body burdens of these PFASs increased by 7.5%-148.8% and 5.7%-37.1%, respectively. However, the DOM had no significant impact on the body burdens of shorter perfluoroalkyl chain PFASs (PFOA and PFNA). All of the four types of DOM lowered not only the uptake rate constants (ku) of PFASs due to the decrease of freely dissolved PFAS concentrations, but also the elimination rate constants (ke) due to the inhibition effect of DOM on the PFAS elimination from the larvae. The reduction in the two constants varied with both DOM and PFAS types. In the presence of PEP and HA with larger molecular weights, the ku values decreased more than ke, leading to the decreased body burdens of longer perfluoroalkyl chain PFASs. As for FA and TA with smaller molecular weights, the ke values decreased more than ku, resulting in increased body burdens of longer perfluoroalkyl chain PFASs. This study suggests that the effects of DOM on PFAS bioconcentration depend not only on the concentration but also on the molecule weight of DOM, which should be considered in the bioavailability assessment of PFASs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Physiological and brain alterations produced by high-fat diet in male and female rats can be modulated by increased levels of estradiol during critical periods of development.

PubMed

Carrillo, Beatriz; Collado, Paloma; Díaz, Francisca; Chowen, Julie A; Pérez-Izquierdo, Mª Ángeles; Pinos, Helena

2017-07-11

Overnutrition due to a high-fat diet (HFD) can increase the vulnerability of the metabolic system to maladjustments. Estradiol has an inhibitory role on food intake and this hormone has demonstrated to be a crucial organizer during brain development. Our aim was to determine whether increased levels of estradiol in the early postnatal period modulate the alterations in metabolism and brain metabolic circuits produced by overnutrition. Twenty-four male and 24 female Wistar rats were submitted to a HFD (34.9% fat) or a control diet (5% fat) from gestational day 6. From postnatal (P) 6 to P13, both control and HFD groups were administered a s.c. injection of vehicle or estradiol benzoate (0.4 mg/kg), resulting in eight experimental groups (n = 6 in each group). Body weight, food intake and subcutaneous, visceral, and brown fat pads were measured. Agouti-related peptide, neuropeptide Y, orexin, and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay and plasma estradiol levels were measured by ELISA. Males fed a HFD showed an increase in body weight and the amount of visceral and subcutaneous fat, which was coincident with an increase in the number of kilocalories ingested. Neonatal estradiol treatment restored the body weight and subcutaneous fat of HFD males to control levels. Hypothalamic POMC mRNA levels in HFD females were increased with respect to control females. This increase was reverted with estradiol treatment during development. HFD and estradiol treatment have different effects on males and females. Overnutrition affects physiological parameters, such as body weight, visceral, and subcutaneous fat content, in males, while females present alterations in hypothalamic POMC mRNA levels. Hence, the increase in estradiol levels during a period that is critical for the programing of the feeding system can modulate some of the alterations produced by the continuous intake of high-fat content food.

Single-Trait and Antagonistic Index Selection for Litter Size and Body Weight in Mice

PubMed Central

Eisen, E. J.

1978-01-01

Individual selection based on female performance only was conducted in four lines of mice: L+ for increased litter size, W+ for increased 6-week body weight, L-W+ for a selection index aimed at decreasing litter size and increasing 6-week body weight and L+W- for a selection index aimed at increasing litter size and decreasing 6-week body weight. A fifth line (K) served as an unselected control. All litters were standardized to eight mice at one day of age. Expected heritability was based on twice the regression of offspring on dam (h2d), which contains additive genetic variance due to direct (σ2Ao) and maternal (σ2Am) effects and their covariance (σAoAm). Responses and correlated responses were measured either deviated (method 1) or not deviated (method 2) from the control line. Realized heritabilities (h2R) for litter size were 0.19 ± 0.04 (1) and 0.16 ± 0.03 (2), which were similar to h 2d of 0.17 ± 0.04. The h2 R for 6-week body weight of 0.55 ± 0.07 (1) and 0.44 ± 0.07 (2) agreed with h2d of 0.42 ± 0.02. Realized genetic correlations (r*GR) between litter size and 6-week body weight calculated from the double-selection experiment were 0.52 ± 0.10 (1) and 0.52 ± 0.13 (2), which were not significantly different from the base population estimate of r* Gd = 0.63 ± 0.14. Divergence (L-W + minus L+W-) in the antagonistic index selection lines was 0.21 ± 0.01 index units (I = 0.305 PW - 0.436 PL, where P W and PL are the phenotypic values for 6-week body weight and litter size, respectively.). The h2 R of index units of 0.14 ± 0.02 calculated from divergence agreed with h2d of 0.14 ± 0.04. Divergences in litter size (-0.19 ± 0.07) and 6-week body weight (0.46 ± 0.10) were in the expected direction. Antagonistic index selection yielded about one-half the expected divergence in litter size, while divergence in 6-week body weight was only slightly less than expected. Realized genetic correlations indicated that litter size, 6-week body weight and index units each showed positive pleiotropy with 3-week body weight, postweaning gain and weight at vaginal introitus and negative pleiotropy with age at vaginal introitus. Sex ratio and several components of fitness (days from joining to parturition, percent fertile matings and percent perinatal survival) did not change significantly in the selected lines. PMID:17248819

Induction of ketosis in rats fed low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets depends on the relative abundance of dietary fat and protein.

PubMed

Bielohuby, Maximilian; Menhofer, Dominik; Kirchner, Henriette; Stoehr, Barbara J M; Müller, Timo D; Stock, Peggy; Hempel, Madlen; Stemmer, Kerstin; Pfluger, Paul T; Kienzle, Ellen; Christ, Bruno; Tschöp, Matthias H; Bidlingmaier, Martin

2011-01-01

Low-carbohydrate/high-fat diets (LC-HFDs) in rodent models have been implicated with both weight loss and as a therapeutic approach to treat neurological diseases. LC-HFDs are known to induce ketosis; however, systematic studies analyzing the impact of the macronutrient composition on ketosis induction and weight loss success are lacking. Male Wistar rats were pair-fed for 4 wk either a standard chow diet or one of three different LC-HFDs, which only differed in the relative abundance of fat and protein (percentages of fat/protein in dry matter: LC-75/10; LC-65/20; LC-55/30). We subsequently measured body composition by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), analyzed blood chemistry and urine acetone content, evaluated gene expression changes of key ketogenic and gluconeogenic genes, and measured energy expenditure (EE) and locomotor activity (LA) during the first 4 days and after 3 wk on the respective diets. Compared with chow, rats fed with LC-75/10, LC-65/20, and LC-55/30 gained significantly less body weight. Reductions in body weight were mainly due to lower lean body mass and paralleled by significantly increased fat mass. Levels of β-hydroxybutyate were significantly elevated feeding LC-75/10 and LC-65/20 but decreased in parallel to reductions in dietary fat. Acetone was about 16-fold higher with LC-75/10 only (P < 0.001). In contrast, rats fed with LC-55/30 were not ketotic. Serum fibroblast growth factor-21, hepatic mRNA expression of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA-lyase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1β were increased with LC-75/10 only. Expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase was downregulated by 50-70% in LC-HF groups. Furthermore, EE and LA were significantly decreased in all groups fed with LC-HFDs after 3 wk on the diets. In rats, the absence of dietary carbohydrates per se does not induce ketosis. LC-HFDs must be high in fat, but also low in protein contents to be clearly ketogenic. Independent of the macronutrient composition, LC-HFD-induced weight loss is not due to increased EE and LA.

A Systematic Evaluation of Food Textures to Decrease Packing and Increase Oral Intake in Children with Pediatric Feeding Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Patel, Meeta R.; Piazza, Cathleen C.; Layer, Stacy A.; Coleman, Russell; Swartzwelder, Dana M.

2005-01-01

This study examined packing (pocketing or holding accepted food in the mouth) in 3 children who were failing to thrive or had inadequate weight gain due to insufficient caloric intake. The results of an analysis of texture indicated that total grams consumed were higher when lower textured foods were presented than when higher textured foods were…

[Potential health risks from consumption of water with arsenic in Colima, Mexico].

PubMed

Mendoza-Cano, Oliver; Sánchez-Piña, Ramón Alberto; Barrón-Quintana, Julián; Cuevas-Arellano, Herguin Benjamin; Escalante-Minakata, Pilar; Solano-Barajas, Ramón

2017-01-01

To estimate potential health risks due to chronic ingestion of arsenic from groundwater in Colima, Mexico. Samples were randomly taken in 36 wells from 10 local aquifers. Analysis was performed by ICP-OES following international standards. Geostatistical interpolation was performed with ArcGIS, implementing a model weighting inverse distance to estimate arsenic routes of exposure and consumption on each locality. The Hazard Quotient Ratio (HQ) and carcinogenic risk (R) for As were estimated. The weighted average HQ for arsenic in Colima is 2.41. There are HQ> 1 values indicating adverse non-cancer health effects by continuous and prolonged intake of water with arsenic, which could affect 183 832 individuals in the state. The risk of developing any type of cancer among the population in this study due to high arsenic concentrations in groundwater (R) is 1.089E-3, which could statistically cause 446 cases of cancer. Current levels of arsenic in groundwater increase carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risks in Colima.

Electrochemical characterization and control of triple-layer muscles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otero, Toribio F.; Cortes, Maria T.

2000-06-01

The electrochemical characterization of triple-layers formed by a EPA (Electroactive Polymer)/double-sided tape/EPA, like artificial muscles is described. Those muscles were characterized working under constant potential or under constant current. Due to the electrochemical nature of the electrochemomechanical property, muscles working under constant current produce constant movements, consuming increasing energies at decreasing temperatures, decreasing concentrations of electrolytes or trailing increasing masses. Muscles working at constant potential response with a faster movement if the temperature or the concentration of the electrolyte increase, or if the trailed weight decreases. Specific charges and specific energies were determined for every experimental condition.

Growth hormone receptor-deficient pigs resemble the pathophysiology of human Laron syndrome and reveal altered activation of signaling cascades in the liver.

PubMed

Hinrichs, Arne; Kessler, Barbara; Kurome, Mayuko; Blutke, Andreas; Kemter, Elisabeth; Bernau, Maren; Scholz, Armin M; Rathkolb, Birgit; Renner, Simone; Bultmann, Sebastian; Leonhardt, Heinrich; de Angelis, Martin Hrabĕ; Nagashima, Hiroshi; Hoeflich, Andreas; Blum, Werner F; Bidlingmaier, Martin; Wanke, Rüdiger; Dahlhoff, Maik; Wolf, Eckhard

2018-05-01

Laron syndrome (LS) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder in humans caused by loss-of-function mutations of the growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene. To establish a large animal model for LS, pigs with GHR knockout (KO) mutations were generated and characterized. CRISPR/Cas9 technology was applied to mutate exon 3 of the GHR gene in porcine zygotes. Two heterozygous founder sows with a 1-bp or 7-bp insertion in GHR exon 3 were obtained, and their heterozygous F1 offspring were intercrossed to produce GHR-KO, heterozygous GHR mutant, and wild-type pigs. Since the latter two groups were not significantly different in any parameter investigated, they were pooled as the GHR expressing control group. The characterization program included body and organ growth, body composition, endocrine and clinical-chemical parameters, as well as signaling studies in liver tissue. GHR-KO pigs lacked GHR and had markedly reduced serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) levels and reduced IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) activity but increased IGFBP2 levels. Serum GH concentrations were significantly elevated compared with control pigs. GHR-KO pigs had a normal birth weight. Growth retardation became significant at the age of five weeks. At the age of six months, the body weight of GHR-KO pigs was reduced by 60% compared with controls. Most organ weights of GHR-KO pigs were reduced proportionally to body weight. However, the weights of liver, kidneys, and heart were disproportionately reduced, while the relative brain weight was almost doubled. GHR-KO pigs had a markedly increased percentage of total body fat relative to body weight and displayed transient juvenile hypoglycemia along with decreased serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Analysis of insulin receptor related signaling in the liver of adult fasted pigs revealed increased phosphorylation of IRS1 and PI3K. In agreement with the loss of GHR, phosphorylation of STAT5 was significantly reduced. In contrast, phosphorylation of JAK2 was significantly increased, possibly due to the increased serum leptin levels and increased hepatic leptin receptor expression and activation in GHR-KO pigs. In addition, increased mTOR phosphorylation was observed in GHR-KO liver samples, and phosphorylation studies of downstream substrates suggested the activation of mainly mTOR complex 2. GHR-KO pigs resemble the pathophysiology of LS and are an interesting model for mechanistic studies and treatment trials. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.

Low Abundance of NPY in the Hypothalamus can Produce Hyperphagia and Obesity

PubMed Central

Dube, Michael G.; Kalra, Satya P.; Kalra, Pushpa S.

2007-01-01

States of increased metabolic demand are associated with up-regulation of NPY and hyperphagia. However, we present some instances of hyperphagia in which NPY is not up-regulated. Ablation or functional disruption of specific sites in the hypothalamus, such as the ventromedial or paraventricular nuclei, or transection of inputs to the hypothalamus from the hindbrain results in hyperphagia and excess body weight gain. However, NPY expression and concentration in these experimental models is either decreased or unchanged. While there is no up-regulation of NPY in these models, there is increased sensitivity to the orexigenic effects of NPY. This enhanced responsiveness to NPY may more than compensate for the reduced levels of NPY and result in hyperphagia and excess body weight gain. The hyper-responsiveness may be due either to an increase in NPY receptors or to other changes in target cells and response pathways that may result from the treatments used in these models. PMID:17222946

Nitrogen doped microporous carbon by ZnCl2 activation of protein

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Praveen; Vijayan, Sujith; Prabhakaran, K.

2017-09-01

ZnCl2 activation of protein containing biomass has been studied for the preparation of N-doped activated carbon (NDC) using powdered dry fish as a source of protein. Nearly 52% increase in the yield of NDC is observed by activation with ZnCl2 due to an increase in the thermal stability of Zn2+-fish protein complex compared to the protein alone. The NDCs obtained are characterized by XRD, IR, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, elemental analysis and N2 adsorption-desorption studies. The activation at 550 °C produces NDC with the highest surface area and total pore volume of 1001 m2 g-1 and 0.719 cm3 g-1, respectively, at a ZnCl2 to fish powder weight ratio of 3. A maximum micropore volume of 0.273 cm3 g-1 is obtained at a ZnCl2 to fish powder weight ratio of 1:1. The N-content (12.4-5.2 wt%) decreases with an increase in activation temperature and ZnCl2 to fish powder weight ratio. The NDC obtained by activation at 550 °C at a ZnCl2 to fish powder weight ratio of 1:1 shows the maximum CO2 adsorption capacity of 2.4 and 3.73 mmol g-1 at 25 and 0 °C, respectively, at 1 atmosphere. The CO2 adsorption on the NDC shows excellent cyclic stability and high selectivity over nitrogen gas.

Effect of supplementing crop substrate with defatted pistachio meal on Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus production.

PubMed

Pardo-Giménez, Arturo; Catalán, Luis; Carrasco, Jaime; Álvarez-Ortí, Manuel; Zied, Diego; Pardo, José

2016-08-01

This work assesses the agronomic performance of defatted pistachio meal, after oil extraction, as a nutritional substrate supplement when growing the mushroom species Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach and Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. Materials were applied at different doses at spawning. Along with non-supplemented substrates, commercial nutritional supplements were used as controls. Proximate analysis of mushrooms is also considered. For the cultivation of champignon, defatted pistachio meal has provided larger mushrooms (unitary weight and cap diameter) with firmer texture and greater content in dry weight and protein, without significant alterations in quantitative parameters. For Pleurotus ostreatus, the supplement led to significant yield increase, even providing up to 34.4% of increment compared to non-supplementation with meal, reaching a biological efficiency of 129.9 kg dt(-1) , when applied to the 15 g kg(-1) compost dose. Supplementation has also been conducted to increase dry weight, protein and fibre within carpophores and to decrease the energy value. Defatted pistachio meal has similar or better results compared to the commercial supplements used as reference. Compost supplementation with defatted pistachio meal in A. bisporus concerns mainly the quantitative parameters (size, texture, dry weight and protein). Based on the results obtained, this technique has greater potential of development for P. ostreatus commercial crops, basically due to expected increases in production, with a direct impact on benefits and crop profitability. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Body mass index in the first year after kidney transplantation.

PubMed

Costa, B; Moratelli, L; Silva, L B; Paiva, A C M; Silva, A N; Carminatti, M; Bastos, M G; Sanders-Pinheiro, H

2014-01-01

Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) experience better appetite, partly due to the use of steroids, and are subjected to less severe dietetic restrictions, hence they tend to increase the uptake of calories, which favors weight gain posttransplantation. In this study, we evaluate the profile of body mass index (BMI) in the first year posttransplantation. This was a retrospective study including 131 patients who received transplants between 1991 and 2011. We collected demographic and clinical data such as body weight and height, and calculated BMI pretransplantation and at 6 and 12 months posttransplantation. Mean age was 47.1 ± 13.1 years, 64.9% were male, and 29% of patients were diabetic. Pretransplantation mean BMI was 23.04 ± 4.08 kg/m(2), and at 6 and 12 months posttransplantation it increased to 24.55 ± 4.2 kg/m(2) and 24.65 ± 4.16 kg/m(2), respectively (P < .001). At 6 months, this significant weight gain occurred in all patients, even those malnourished, eutrophic, overweight, and obese at pretransplantation. Looking at pretransplantation malnourished patients, 30.8% remained malnourished 1 year after transplantation. Otherwise, 28.6% of pretransplantation overweight patients and 100% of pretransplantation obese patients could be classified as obese at 1 year posttransplantation. Increase in BMI is common in obese and nonobese KTR. This study highlights the importance of identifying subjects at risk for excessive weight gain posttransplantation, thus allowing an early nutritional intervention to prevent its complications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diet-genotype interactions in the development of the obese, insulin-resistant phenotype of C57BL/6J mice lacking melanocortin-3 or -4 receptors.

PubMed

Sutton, Gregory M; Trevaskis, James L; Hulver, Matthew W; McMillan, Ryan P; Markward, Nathan J; Babin, M Josephine; Meyer, Emily A; Butler, Andrew A

2006-05-01

Loss of brain melanocortin receptors (Mc3rKO and Mc4rKO) causes increased adiposity and exacerbates diet-induced obesity (DIO). Little is known about how Mc3r or Mc4r genotype, diet, and obesity affect insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance, assessed by insulin and glucose tolerance tests, Ser(307) phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1, and activation of protein kinase B, was examined in control and DIO wild-type (WT), Mc3rKO and Mc4rKO C57BL/6J mice. Mc4rKO mice were hyperphagic and had increased metabolic efficiency (weight gain per kilojoule consumed) relative to WT; both parameters increased further on high-fat diet. Obesity of Mc3rKO was more dependent on fat intake, involving increased metabolic efficiency. Fat mass of DIO Mc3rKO and Mc4rKO was similar, although Mc4rKO gained weight more rapidly. Mc4rKO develop hepatic insulin resistance and severe hepatic steatosis with obesity, independent of diet. DIO caused further deterioration of insulin action in Mc4rKO of either sex and, in male Mc3rKO, compared with controls, associated with increased fasting insulin, severe glucose intolerance, and reduced insulin signaling in muscle and adipose tissue. DIO female Mc3rKO exhibited very modest perturbations in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Consistent with previous data suggesting impaired fat oxidation, both Mc3rKO and Mc4rKO had reduced muscle oxidative metabolism, a risk factor for weight gain and insulin resistance. Energy expenditure was, however, increased in Mc4rKO compared with Mc3rKO and controls, perhaps due to hyperphagia and metabolic costs associated with rapid growth. In summary, DIO affects insulin sensitivity more severely in Mc4rKO compared with Mc3rKO, perhaps due to a more positive energy balance.

Aeroelastic tailoring and structural optimization of joined-wing configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Dong-Hwan

2002-08-01

Methodology for integrated aero-structural design was developed using formal optimization. ASTROS (Automated STRuctural Optimization System) was used as an analyzer and an optimizer for performing joined-wing weight optimization with stress, displacement, cantilever or body-freedom flutter constraints. As a pre/post processor, MATLAB was used for generating input file of ASTROS and for displaying the results of the ASTROS. The effects of the aeroelastic constraints on the isotropic and composite joined-wing weight were examined using this developed methodology. The aeroelastic features of a joined-wing aircraft were examined using both the Rayleigh-Ritz method and a finite element based aeroelastic stability and weight optimization procedure. Aircraft rigid-body modes are included to analyze of body-freedom flutter of the joined-wing aircraft. Several parametric studies were performed to determine the most important parameters that affect the aeroelastic behavior of a joined-wing aircraft. The special feature of a joined-wing aircraft is body-freedom flutter involving frequency interaction of the first elastic mode and the aircraft short period mode. In most parametric study cases, the body-freedom flutter speed was less than the cantilever flutter speed that is independent of fuselage inertia. As fuselage pitching moment of inertia was increased, the body-freedom flutter speed increased. When the pitching moment of inertia reaches a critical value, transition from body-freedom flutter to cantilever flutter occurred. The effects of composite laminate orientation on the front and rear wings of a joined-wing configuration were studied. An aircraft pitch divergence mode, which occurred because of forward movement of center of pressure due to wing deformation, was found. Body-freedom flutter and cantilever-like flutter were also found depending on combination of front and rear wing ply orientations. Optimized wing weight behaviors of the planar and non-planar configurations with isotropic and composite materials were investigated. Wing weight optimization of the composite joined-wing result in less weight compared to the metallic wing. Fuselage flexibility affects joined-wing flutter characteristics. Elastic mode shapes of the wing were affected by fuselage deformation and change the flutter speeds compared to the rigid fuselage. Body-freedom flutter speeds decrease as fuselage flexibility increases. Optimum wing weights increase as fuselage flexibility increases. Flutter analysis of a box wing configuration investigated the effects of center of gravity location and pitch moment of inertia on flutter speed.

Prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and fetal growth in British girls.

PubMed

Patel, Jill F; Hartman, Terryl J; Sjodin, Andreas; Northstone, Kate; Taylor, Ethel V

2018-04-17

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetic chemicals that bioaccumulate in the food chain. PCBs were used primarily for industrial applications due to their insulating and fire retardant properties, but were banned in the 1970s in the United States and in the 1980s in the United Kingdom, as adverse health effects following exposure were identified. Previous studies of populations with high PCB exposure have reported inverse associations with birth weight and gestational length. Birth weight is a powerful predictor of infant survival, and low birth weight can predispose infants to chronic conditions in adult life such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, we investigated the association between prenatal exposure to PCBs and fetal growth in a sample of 448 mother-daughter dyads. Concentrations of three common PCB analytes, PCB-118, PCB-153 and PCB-187, were measured in maternal serum collected during pregnancy, and fetal growth was measured by birth weight and birth length. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the associations between PCB analytes and measures of fetal growth, after adjusting for parity, maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, educational status, tobacco use and gestational age of infant at sample collection. Birth length, ponderal index and gestational age were not associated with any of the PCB analytes. Mothers' educational status modified associations for PCB analytes with birthweight. We observed significant inverse associations with birth weight only among daughters of mothers with less education. Daughter's birth weight was -138.4 g lower (95% CI: -218.0, -58.9) for each 10 ng/g lipid increase in maternal serum PCB-118. Similarly, every 10 ng/g lipid increase in maternal serum PCB-153 was associated with a -41.9 g (95% CI: -71.6, -12.2) lower birth weight. Every 10 ng/g lipids increase in maternal serum PCB-187, was associated with a -170.4 g (95% CI: -306.1, -34.7) lower birth weight, among girls with mothers in the lowest education group. Our findings suggest that prenatal exposure to PCBs is inversely associated with daughters' birth weight and that mothers' education, which is a possible marker for socioeconomic status, significantly modified the association between maternal PCB concentrations and birth weight in female newborns. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Significant weight loss following clozapine use, how is it possible? A case report and review of published cases and literature relevant to the subject.

PubMed

Tungaraza, Tongeji E

2016-10-01

It has been repeatedly shown that clozapine is more efficacious than other antipsychotics in the management of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, clozapine is associated with a number of side effects including weight gain. Antipsychotic-induced weight gain has been linked with a number of untoward events including psychological factors such as stigma and low self-esteem, and physical factors such as metabolic syndromes and untimely death. The mechanism underlying antipsychotic (including clozapine)-induced weight gain is not clearly understood, although it is said to involve several brain areas, several neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and genetic factors. To some individuals however, clozapine use is associated with significant weight loss (13.5-50% of body weight). The observed weight loss in these groups of patients has not been attributed to any underlying diagnosable physical disorders. There have been a handful cases published with this phenomenon, which seems to be contrary to what is expected when clozapine is prescribed. From the currently published cases three groups emerge - those who lost weight simply by taking clozapine, those who lost weight due to improved mental state, engaging in diet and increased exercise, and those for whom weight loss was a sign of a poor response to clozapine. A case of JX who has a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder is presented. JX lost over 26% of her body weight when she was prescribed clozapine. A detailed review of other published cases is undertaken. The underlying mechanisms involving weight loss are discussed and the implications to clinicians are highlighted. Coordinated studies to examine these groups of patients may provide some insight, not only in the mechanism of clozapine-induced weight loss, but also in the better management of patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia involving clozapine use.

Successful pregnancy following low-dose hCG administration in addition to hMG in a patient with hypothalamic amenorrhea due to weight loss.

PubMed

Tsutsumi, Ryo; Fujimoto, Akihisa; Osuga, Yutaka; Harada, Miyuki; Takemura, Yuri; Koizumi, Minako; Yano, Tetsu; Taketani, Yuji

2012-06-01

We describe successful ovulation induction with low-dose hCG administration in addition to hMG in a patient with refractory hypothalamic amenorrhea. A 24-year-old woman with weight loss-related amenorrhea underwent ovulation induction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Administration of exogenous gonadotropins was ineffective in ovulation induction. Supplementation with low-dose hCG in order to increase luteinizing hormone (LH) activity in the late follicular phase produced late folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis, and ovulation was then successfully induced. This report reacknowledges the critical role that LH plays cooperatively with follicle-stimulating hormone in both folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis.

Optically controlled phased-array antenna technology for space communication systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kunath, Richard R.; Bhasin, Kul B.

1988-01-01

Using MMICs in phased-array applications above 20 GHz requires complex RF and control signal distribution systems. Conventional waveguide, coaxial cable, and microstrip methods are undesirable due to their high weight, high loss, limited mechanical flexibility and large volume. An attractive alternative to these transmission media, for RF and control signal distribution in MMIC phased-array antennas, is optical fiber. Presented are potential system architectures and their associated characteristics. The status of high frequency opto-electronic components needed to realize the potential system architectures is also discussed. It is concluded that an optical fiber network will reduce weight and complexity, and increase reliability and performance, but may require higher power.

Low birth weight: Is it related to assisted reproductive technology or underlying infertility?

PubMed Central

Kondapalli, Laxmi A.; Perales-Puchalt, Alfredo

2013-01-01

Since 1978, we have witnessed a successful evolution of assisted reproductive technology (ART), with improvement of the pregnancy rates and a growing demand. However, in recent years, there has been increasing concern regarding its safety due to the potential health impact on its infants. The raise of the developmental origins of adult disease has positioned low birth weight (LBW) as a significant health issue. Despite multiple studies have associated ART with LBW, the etiology of this association remains largely unknown. This paper reviews the potential association between different components of ART and infertility with LBW, while acknowledging the limitations to interpretation of the existing literature. PMID:23375144

Smoking and Body Weight: Evidence using Genetic Instruments

PubMed Central

Wehby, George; Murray, Jeffrey C.; Wilcox, Allen; Lie, Rolv T.

2011-01-01

Several studies have evaluated whether the high and rising obesity rates over the past three decades may be due to the declining smoking rates. There is mixed evidence across studies – some find negative smoking effects and positive cigarette cost effects on body weight, while others find opposite effects. This study applies a unique approach to identify the smoking effects on body weight and to evaluate the heterogeneity in these effects across the body mass index (BMI) distribution by utilizing genetic instruments for smoking. Using a data sample of 1,057 mothers from Norway, the study finds heterogeneous effects of cigarette smoking on BMI – smoking increases BMI at low/moderate BMI levels and decreases BMI at high BMI levels. The study highlights the potential advantages and challenges of employing genetic instrumental variables to identify behavior effects including the importance of qualifying the instruments and the need for large samples. PMID:22024417

Molecular-Size-Separated Brown Carbon Absorption for Biomass-Burning Aerosol at Multiple Field Sites.

PubMed

Di Lorenzo, Robert A; Washenfelder, Rebecca A; Attwood, Alexis R; Guo, Hongyu; Xu, Lu; Ng, Nga L; Weber, Rodney J; Baumann, Karsten; Edgerton, Eric; Young, Cora J

2017-03-21

Biomass burning is a known source of brown carbon aerosol in the atmosphere. We collected filter samples of biomass-burning emissions at three locations in Canada and the United States with transport times of 10 h to >3 days. We analyzed the samples with size-exclusion chromatography coupled to molecular absorbance spectroscopy to determine absorbance as a function of molecular size. The majority of absorption was due to molecules >500 Da, and these contributed an increasing fraction of absorption as the biomass-burning aerosol aged. This suggests that the smallest molecular weight fraction is more susceptible to processes that lead to reduced light absorption, while larger-molecular-weight species may represent recalcitrant brown carbon. We calculate that these large-molecular-weight species are composed of more than 20 carbons with as few as two oxygens and would be classified as extremely low volatility organic compounds (ELVOCs).

Household Financial Distress and Initial Endowments: Evidence from the 2008 Financial Crisis.

PubMed

Olafsson, Arna

2016-11-01

This paper studies in utero exposure to the 2008 financial crisis. Exploiting the sudden and unexpected collapse of the Icelandic economy, I find that first-trimester exposure to the crisis led to a sizable and significant reduction in birth weight, increased the probability of a low birth weight ( < 2500 g), and decreased the probability of a high birth weight ( > 4000 g). I also find evidence that the collapse reduced the sex ratio, indicating selection in utero due to maternal prenatal stress exposure. My results imply large welfare losses from financial distress that have hitherto been ignored - because children with worse health at birth can expect substantially lower lifetime earnings - and suggest that economic hardships may in general exacerbate income inequalities in the long run as low-income households are typically more exposed to financial distress. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Testing the Deglacial Global Ocean Alkalization Hypothesis Using Foraminifer-based Mg/Ca, Shell Weight, and MFI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ward, B. M.; Mekik, F.; Pourmand, A.

2015-12-01

In light of evidence for extensive modern ocean acidification, it has become imperative to better understand the global carbon cycle by reconstructing past ocean acidification/alkalization events. Our goal is to test the deglacial global alkalization hypothesis using a multi-proxy approach by reconstructing the pH, temperature, and [CO32-] of thermocline waters and the dissolution in deep sea sediments over the last 25,000 years in core ME-27 from the eastern equatorial Pacific. Our specific research questions are: Is there unequivocal evidence for a deglacial ocean alkalization event? If yes, what was the magnitude of the alkalization event? If no, how can we explain why evidence of this event is missing from our core? We inferred temperature from Mg/Ca, and habitat water [CO32-] from sized-normalized shell weight in Neogloboquadrina dutertrei. Dissolution in sediments was estimated using the Globorotalia menardii Fragmentation Index (MFI). We see no clear indication of a deglacial ocean alkalization event with our proxies. Neither our shell weight, nor MFI data show a more alkaline deglacial ocean compared to the Last Glacial Maximum and the modern Interglacial. Instead, we observe a steady decrease in thermocline [CO32-], and increase in deep sea calcite preservation since the LGM. Our results may indicate that the global alkalization event was obscured in ME-27 due to higher organic carbon fluxes during the deglacial, and/or due to yet undetermined effects of temperature on the foraminifer shell weight proxy.

Understanding Thiel Embalming in Pig Kidneys to Develop a New Circulation Model

PubMed Central

Willaert, Wouter; De Vos, Marie; Van Hoof, Tom; Delrue, Louke; Pattyn, Piet; D’Herde, Katharina

2015-01-01

The quality of tissue preservation in Thiel embalmed bodies varies. Research on the administered embalming volume and its vascular distribution may elucidate one of the mechanisms of tissue preservation and allow for new applications of Thiel embalming. Vascular embalming with (group 1, n = 15) or without (group 2, n = 20) contrast agent was initiated in pig kidneys. The distribution of Thiel embalming solution in group 1 was visualized using computed tomography. The kidneys in both groups were then immersed in concentrated salt solutions to reduce their weight and volume. Afterwards, to mimic a lifelike circulation in the vessels, group 2 underwent pump-driven reperfusion for 120 minutes with either paraffinum perliquidum or diluted polyethylene glycol. The circulation was imaged with computed tomography. All of the kidneys were adequately preserved. The embalming solution spread diffusely in the kidney, but fluid accumulation was present. Subsequent immersion in concentrated salt solutions reduced weight (P < 0.01) and volume (P < 0.01). Reperfusion for 120 minutes was established in group 2. Paraffinum perliquidum filled both major vessels and renal tissue, whereas diluted polyethylene glycol spread widely in the kidney. There were no increases in weight (P = 0.26) and volume (P = 0.79); and pressure further decreased (P = 0.032) after more than 60 minutes of reperfusion with paraffinum perliquidum, whereas there were increases in weight (P = 0.005), volume (P = 0.032) and pressure (P < 0.0001) after reperfusion with diluted polyethylene glycol. Arterial embalming of kidneys results in successful preservation due to complete parenchymatous spreading. More research is needed to determine whether other factors affect embalming quality. Dehydration is an effective method to regain the organs’ initial status. Prolonged vascular reperfusion with paraffinum perliquidum can be established in this model without increases in weight, volume and pressure. PMID:25806527

Effect of green tea extract microencapsulation on hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular tissues in high fructose-fed rats

PubMed Central

Jung, Moon Hee; Seong, Pil Nam; Kim, Myung Hwan; Myong, Na-Hye

2013-01-01

The application of polyphenols has attracted great interest in the field of functional foods and nutraceuticals due to their potential health benefits in humans. However, the effectiveness of polyphenols depends on their bioactivity and bioavailability. In the present study, the bioactive component from green tea extract (GTE) was administrated orally (50 mg/kg body weight/day) as free or in a microencapsulated form with maltodextrin in rats fed a high fructose diet. High fructose diet induced features of metabolic syndrome including hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, increased serum total cholesterol, and retroperitoneal obesity. In addition, myocardial fibrosis was increased. In rats receiving high fructose diet, the lowering of blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, non esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and uric acid, as well as the reduction in final body weight and retroperitoneal fat weight associated with the administration of GTE, led to a reversal of the features of metabolic syndrome (P < 0.05). In particular, the administration of microencapsulated GTE decreased myocardial fibrosis and increased liver catalase activity consistent with a further alleviation of serum NEFA, and hyperuricemia compared to administration of GTE. Taken together, our results suggest that microencapsulation of the bioactive components of GTE might have a protective effect on cardiovasucular system by attenuating the adverse features of myocardial fibrosis, decreasing uric acid levels and increasing hepatic catalase activity effectively by protecting their bioactivities. PMID:24133615

Subacute toxicity of copper and glyphosate and their interaction to earthworm (Eisenia fetida).

PubMed

Zhou, Chui-Fan; Wang, Yu-Jun; Li, Cheng-Cheng; Sun, Rui-Juan; Yu, Yuan-Chun; Zhou, Dong-Mei

2013-09-01

Glyphosate (GPS) and copper (Cu) are common pollutants in soils, and commonly co-exist. Due to the chemical structure of GPS, it can form complexes of heavy metals and interface their bioavailability in soil environment. In order to explore the interactions between GPS and Cu, subacute toxicity tests of Cu and GPS on soil invertebrate earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were conducted. The relative weight loss and whole-worm metal burdens increased significantly with the increasing exposure concentration of Cu, while the toxicity of GPS was insignificant. The joint toxicity data showed that the relative weight loss and the uptake of Cu, as well as the superoxide dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde activities, were significantly alleviated in the present of GPS, which indicated that GPS could reduce the toxicity and bioavailability of Cu in the soil because of its strong chelating effects. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of cooking, proving, and baking on the (poly)phenol content of wild blueberry.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Mateos, Ana; Cifuentes-Gomez, Tania; George, Trevor W; Spencer, Jeremy P E

2014-05-07

Accumulating evidence suggests that diets rich in (poly)phenols may have positive effects on human health. Currently there is limited information regarding the effects of processing on the (poly)phenolic content of berries, in particular in processes related to the baking industry. This study investigated the impact of cooking, proving, and baking on the anthocyanin, procyanidin, flavonol, and phenolic acid contents of wild blueberry using HPLC with UV and fluorescence detection. Anthocyanin levels decreased during cooking, proving, and baking, whereas no significant changes were observed for total procyanidins. However, lower molecular weight procyanidins increased and high molecular weight oligomers decreased during the process. Quercetin and ferulic and caffeic acid levels remained constant, whereas increases were found for chlorogenic acid. Due to their possible health benefits, a better understanding of the impact of processing is important to maximize the retention of these phytochemicals in berry-containing products.

Natural cork agglomerate employed as an environmentally friendly solution for quiet sandwich composites.

PubMed

Sargianis, James; Kim, Hyung-ick; Suhr, Jonghwan

2012-01-01

Carbon fiber-synthetic foam core sandwich composites are widely used for many structural applications due to their superior mechanical performance and low weight. Unfortunately these structures typically have very poor acoustic performance. There is increasingly growing demand in mitigating this noise issue in sandwich composite structures. This study shows that marrying carbon fiber composites with natural cork in a sandwich structure provides a synergistic effect yielding a noise-free sandwich composite structure without the sacrifice of mechanical performance or weight. Moreover the cork-core sandwich composites boast a 250% improvement in damping performance, providing increased durability and lifetime operation. Additionally as the world seeks environmentally friendly materials, the harvesting of cork is a natural, renewable process which reduces subsequent carbon footprints. Such a transition from synthetic foam cores to natural cork cores could provide unprecedented improvements in acoustic and vibrational performance in applications such as aircraft cabins or wind turbine blades.

Nephroprotective Effect of Bauhinia tomentosa Linn against Cisplatin-Induced Renal Damage.

PubMed

Kannan, Narayanan; Sakthivel, Kunnathur Murugesan; Guruvayoorappan, Chandrasekaran

2016-01-01

Cisplatin (CP) is an important chemotherapeutic drug used for the treatment of a wide variety of solid tumors. However, clinical use of CP has been limited due to its adverse effect of nephrotoxicity. In the present study, we evaluate the nephroprotective effect of Bauhinia tomentosa against CP-induced renal damage in rats. Administration of methonolic extract of B. tomentosa (250 mg/kg b.w.) results in a significant increase in antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, treatment with B. tomentosa increased body weight and relative organ weight when compared with that of the CP-induced control group. Moreover, treatment with B. tomentosa extract significantly decreased lipid peroxidation(LPO), serum urea, and creatinine when compared with the CP-induced control group. Thus, the present study highlights the potential role of B. tomentosa and its use as a new protective strategy against CP-induced nephrotoxicity.

Obesity and thermogenesis related to the consumption of caffeine, ephedrine, capsaicin, and green tea.

PubMed

Diepvens, Kristel; Westerterp, Klaas R; Westerterp-Plantenga, Margriet S

2007-01-01

The global prevalence of obesity has increased considerably in the last decade. Tools for obesity management, including caffeine, ephedrine, capsaicin, and green tea have been proposed as strategies for weight loss and weight maintenance, since they may increase energy expenditure and have been proposed to counteract the decrease in metabolic rate that is present during weight loss. A combination of caffeine and ephedrine has shown to be effective in long-term weight management, likely due to different mechanisms that may operate synergistically, e.g., respectively inhibiting the phosphodiesterase-induced degradation of cAMP and enhancing the sympathetic release of catecholamines. However, adverse effects of ephedrine prevent the feasibility of this approach. Capsaicin has been shown to be effective, yet when it is used clinically it requires a strong compliance to a certain dosage, that has not been shown to be feasible yet. Also positive effects on body-weight management have been shown using green tea mixtures. Green tea, by containing both tea catechins and caffeine, may act through inhibition of catechol O-methyl-transferase, and inhibition of phosphodiesterase. Here, the mechanisms may also operate synergistically. In addition, tea catechins have antiangiogenic properties that may prevent development of overweight and obesity. Furthermore, the sympathetic nervous system is involved in the regulation of lipolysis, and the sympathetic innervation of white adipose tissue may play an important role in the regulation of total body fat in general.

Effects of dietary interventions on liver volume in humans.

PubMed

Bian, Hua; Hakkarainen, Antti; Lundbom, Nina; Yki-Järvinen, Hannele

2014-04-01

To compare effects of similar weight loss induced either by a short-term low-carbohydrate or by a long-term hypocaloric diet, and to determine effects of high carbohydrate overfeeding on liver total, lean, and fat volumes. Liver total, lean, and fat volumes were measured before and after (i) a 6-day low-carbohydrate diet (n = 17), (ii) a 7-month standard hypocaloric diet (n = 26), and (iii) a 3-week high-carbohydrate diet (n = 17), by combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1) H-MRS) techniques. At baseline, three groups were comparable with respect to age, body mass index, liver volumes and the liver fat content. Body weight decreased similarly by the short-term and long-term hypocaloric diets. Liver total volume decreased significantly more during the short-term low-carbohydrate (-22 ± 2%) than the long-term (-7 ± 2%) hypocaloric diet (P < 0.001). This was due to a greater decrease in liver lean volume in the short-term (-20 ± 2%) than the long-term (-4 ± 2%) weight loss group (P < 0.001). Decreases in liver fat were comparable. Liver volume increased by 9 ± 3% due to overfeeding (P< 0.02 for before vs. after). These data support the use of a short-term low-carbohydrate diet whenever a reduction in liver volume is desirable. Overeating carbohydrate is harmful because it increases liver volume. Copyright © 2013 The Obesity Society.

Response diversity of wild bees to overwintering temperatures.

PubMed

Fründ, Jochen; Zieger, Sarah L; Tscharntke, Teja

2013-12-01

Biodiversity can provide insurance against environmental change, but only if species differ in their response to environmental conditions (response diversity). Wild bees provide pollination services to wild and crop plants, and response diversity might insure this function against changing climate. To experimentally test the hypothesis that bee species differ in their response to increasing winter temperature, we stored cocoons of nine bee species at different temperatures during the winter (1.5-9.5 °C). Bee species differed significantly in their responses (weight loss, weight at emergence and emergence date). The developmental stage during the winter explained some of these differences. Bee species overwintering as adults generally showed decreased weight and earlier emergence with increasing temperature, whereas bee species overwintering in pre-imaginal stages showed weaker or even opposite responses. This means that winter warming will likely affect some bee species negatively by increasing energy expenditure, while others are less sensitive presumably due to different physiology. Likewise, species phenologies will respond differently to winter warming, potentially affecting plant-pollinator interactions. Responses are not independent of current flight periods: bees active in spring will likely show the strongest phenological advances. Taken together, wild bee diversity provides response diversity to climate change, which may be the basis for an insurance effect.

Thrombophilia and Pregnancy Complications

PubMed Central

Simcox, Louise E.; Ormesher, Laura; Tower, Clare; Greer, Ian A.

2015-01-01

There is a paucity of strong evidence associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and thrombophilia in pregnancy. These problems include both early (recurrent miscarriage) and late placental vascular-mediated problems (fetal loss, pre-eclampsia, placental abruption and intra-uterine growth restriction). Due to poor quality case-control and cohort study designs, there is often an increase in the relative risk of these complications associated with thrombophilia, particularly recurrent early pregnancy loss, late fetal loss and pre-eclampsia, but the absolute risk remains very small. It appears that low-molecular weight heparin has other benefits on the placental vascular system besides its anticoagulant properties. Its use is in the context of antiphospholipid syndrome and recurrent pregnancy loss and also in women with implantation failure to improve live birth rates. There is currently no role for low-molecular weight heparin to prevent late placental-mediated complications in patients with inherited thrombophilia and this may be due to small patient numbers in the studies involved in summarising the evidence. There is potential for low-molecular weight heparin to improve pregnancy outcomes in women with prior severe vascular complications of pregnancy such as early-onset intra-uterine growth restriction and pre-eclampsia but further high quality randomised controlled trials are required to answer this question. PMID:26633369

Determination of the low molecular weight fraction of food-grade carrageenans.

PubMed

Spichtig, Véronique; Austin, Sean

2008-01-01

Recently there has been some debate regarding the presence and associated health risk of low molecular weight carrageenan in foodstuffs. Unfortunately measurement of the low molecular weight tail (LMT) of food-grade carrageenans (defined here as the carrageenan having relative molecular mass (Mr) below 50,000) is not trivial, largely due to its low abundance. So far methods employing light scattering have been unsuccessful in producing reproducible results, probably due to the poor detector response at low masses. In this work a method based on high performance size exclusion chromatography coupled to a refractive index detector (HPSEC-RI) has been used for the measurement of the LMT in food-grade carrageenan ingredients and in a carrageenan-containing finished product (a jelly). Over the course of half a year, 19 measurements were made on a reference carrageenan; the results demonstrated that the method had excellent reproducibility. Applied to a number of different carrageenan ingredients, it was found that, in general, the LMT represents less than 8% of the total carrageenan in ingredients, and under the correct conditions increases little during food processing. The data also indicated that pH appears to be a critical factor during food processing and pH levels below 4.0 should be avoided.

Male mice are susceptible to high fat diet-induced hyperglycaemia and display increased circulatory retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels and its expression in visceral adipose depots.

PubMed

Asha, G V; Raja Gopal Reddy, M; Mahesh, M; Vajreswari, A; Jeyakumar, S M

2016-01-01

Vitamin A and its metabolites are known to modulate adipose tissue development and its associated complications. Here, we assessed the vitamin A status and its metabolic pathway gene expression in relation to sexual dimorphism by employing 35 days old C57BL/6J male and female mice, which were fed either stock or high fat (HF) diet for 26 weeks. HF diet feeding increased body weight/weight gain and white adipose tissue (WAT) of visceral and subcutaneous regions, however, increase in vitamin A levels observed only in subcutaneous WAT. Further, the expression of most of the vitamin A metabolic pathway genes showed no sexual dimorphism. The observed HF diet-induced hyperglycaemia in male corroborates with increased retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels in plasma and its expression in visceral adipose depots. In conclusion, the male mice are susceptible to high fat diet-induced hyperglycaemia and display higher plasma RBP4 levels, possibly due to its over-expression in visceral adipose depots.

Electrospun polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/green tea extract composite nanofiber mats and their antioxidant activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pusporini, Pusporini; Edikresnha, Dhewa; Sriyanti, Ida; Suciati, Tri; Miftahul Munir, Muhammad; Khairurrijal, Khairurrijal

2018-05-01

Electrospinning was employed to make PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone)/GTE (green tea extract) composite nanofiber mats. The electrospun PVP nanofiber mat as well as the PVP/GTE nanofiber mats were uniform. The average fiber diameter of PVP/GTE composite nanofiber mat decreased with increasing the GTE weight fraction (or decreasing the PVP weight fraction) in the PVP/GTE solution because the PVP/GTE solution concentration decreased. Then, the broad FTIR peak representing the stretching vibrations of O–H in hydroxyl groups of phenols and the stretching of N–H in amine groups of the GTE paste shifted to higher wavenumbers in the PVP/GTE composite nanofiber mats. These peak shifts implied that PVP and catechins of GTE in the PVP/GTE composite nanofiber mats had intermolecular interactions via hydrogen bonds between carbonyl groups of PVP and hydroxyl groups of catechins in GTE. Lastly, the antioxidant activity of the PVP/GTE composite nanofiber mat increased with reducing the average fiber diameter because the amount of catechins in the composite nanofiber mat increased with the increase of surface area due to the reduction of the average fiber diameter.

Evaluation of a long-endurance-surveillance remotely-piloted vehicle with and without laminar flow control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turriziani, R. V.; Lovell, W. A.; Price, J. E.; Quartero, C. B.; Washburn, S. F.

1979-01-01

Two aircraft were evaluated, using a derated TF34-GE-100 turbofan engine one with laminar flow control (LFC) and one without. The mission of the remotely piloted vehicles (RPV) is one of high-altitude loiter at maximum endurance. With the LFC system maximum mission time increased by 6.7 percent, L/D in the loiter phase improved 14.2 percent, and the minimum parasite drag of the wing was reduced by 65 percent resulting in a 37 percent reduction for the total airplane. Except for the minimum parasite drag of the wing, the preceding benefits include the offsetting effects of weight increase, suction power requirements, and drag of the wing-mounted suction pods. In a supplementary study using a scaled-down, rather than derated, version of the engine, on the LFC configuration, a 17.6 percent increase in mission time over the airplane without LFC and an incremental time increase of 10.2 percent over the LFC airplane with derated engine were attained. This improvement was due principally to reductions in both weight and drag of the scaled engine.

OBESITY: CHALLENGES TO VENTILATORY CONTROL DURING EXERCISE A BRIEF REVIEW

PubMed Central

Babb, Tony G.

2013-01-01

Obesity is a national health issue in the US. Among the many physiological changes induced by obesity, it also presents a unique challenge to ventilatory control during exercise due to increased metabolic demand of moving larger limbs, increased work of breathing due to extra weight on the chest wall, and changes in breathing mechanics. These challenges to ventilatory control in obesity can be inconspicuous or overt among obese adults but for the most part adaptation of ventilatory control during exercise in obesity appears remarkably unnoticed in the majority of obese people. In this brief review, the changes to ventilatory control required for maintaining normal ventilation during exercise will be examined, especially the interaction between respiratory neural drive and ventilation. Also, gaps in our current knowledge will be discussed. PMID:23707540

Use of Homogeneously-Sized Carbon Steel Ball Bearings to Study Microbially-Influenced Corrosion in Oil Field Samples

PubMed Central

Voordouw, Gerrit; Menon, Priyesh; Pinnock, Tijan; Sharma, Mohita; Shen, Yin; Venturelli, Amanda; Voordouw, Johanna; Sexton, Aoife

2016-01-01

Microbially-influenced corrosion (MIC) contributes to the general corrosion rate (CR), which is typically measured with carbon steel coupons. Here we explore the use of carbon steel ball bearings, referred to as beads (55.0 ± 0.3 mg; Ø = 0.238 cm), for determining CRs. CRs for samples from an oil field in Oceania incubated with beads were determined by the weight loss method, using acid treatment to remove corrosion products. The release of ferrous and ferric iron was also measured and CRs based on weight loss and iron determination were in good agreement. Average CRs were 0.022 mm/yr for eight produced waters with high numbers (105/ml) of acid-producing bacteria (APB), but no sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Average CRs were 0.009 mm/yr for five central processing facility (CPF) waters, which had no APB or SRB due to weekly biocide treatment and 0.036 mm/yr for 2 CPF tank bottom sludges, which had high numbers of APB (106/ml) and SRB (108/ml). Hence, corrosion monitoring with carbon steel beads indicated that biocide treatment of CPF waters decreased the CR, except where biocide did not penetrate. The CR for incubations with 20 ml of a produced water decreased from 0.061 to 0.007 mm/yr when increasing the number of beads from 1 to 40. CRs determined with beads were higher than those with coupons, possibly also due to a higher weight of iron per unit volume used in incubations with coupons. Use of 1 ml syringe columns, containing carbon steel beads, and injected with 10 ml/day of SRB-containing medium for 256 days gave a CR of 0.11 mm/yr under flow conditions. The standard deviation of the distribution of residual bead weights, a measure for the unevenness of the corrosion, increased with increasing CR. The most heavily corroded beads showed significant pitting. Hence the use of uniformly sized carbon steel beads offers new opportunities for screening and monitoring of corrosion including determination of the distribution of corrosion rates, which allows estimation of the probability of high rate events that may lead to failure. PMID:27047467

Genotype by environment interaction for growth due to altitude in United States Angus cattle.

PubMed

Williams, J L; Bertrand, J K; Misztal, I; Łukaszewicz, M

2012-07-01

The objectives of this study were to determine if sires perform consistently across altitude and to quantify the genetic relationship between growth and survival at differing altitudes. Data from the American Angus Association included weaning weight (WW) adjusted to 205 (n = 77,771) and yearling weight adjusted to 365 (n = 39,450) d of age from 77,771 purebred Angus cattle born in Colorado between 1972 and 2007. Postweaning gain (PWG) was calculated by subtracting adjusted WW from adjusted yearling weight. Altitude was assigned to each record based upon the zip code of each herd in the database. Records for WW and PWG were each split into 2 traits measured at low and high altitude, with the records from medium altitude removed from the data due to inconsistencies between growth performance and apparent culling rate. A binary trait, survival (SV), was defined to account for censored records at yearling for each altitude. It was assumed that, at high altitude, individuals missing a yearling weight either died or required relocation to a lower altitude predominantly due to brisket disease, a condition common at high altitude. Model 1 considered each WW and PWG measured at 2 altitudes as separate traits. Model 2 treated PWG and SV measured as separate traits due to altitude. Models included the effects of weaning contemporary group, age of dam, animal additive genetic effects, and residual. Maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects were included for WW. Heritability estimates for WW in Model 1 were 0.28 and 0.26 and for PWG were 0.26 and 0.19 with greater values in low altitude. Genetic correlations between growth traits measured at different altitude were moderate in magnitude: 0.74 for WW and 0.76 for PWG and indicate possibility of reranking of sires across altitude. Maternal genetic correlation between WW at varying altitude of 0.75 also indicates these may be different traits. In Model 2, heritabilities were 0.14 and 0.27 for PWG and 0.36 and 0.47 for SV. Genetic correlation between PWG measured at low and high altitude was 0.68. Favorable genetic correlations were estimated between SV and PWG within and between altitudes, suggesting that calves with genetics for increased growth from weaning to yearling also have increased genetic potential for SV. Genetic evaluations of PWG in different altitudes should consider preselection of the data, by using a censoring trait, like survivability to yearling.

Race differences in infant mortality from endogenous causes: a population-based study in North Carolina.

PubMed

Michielutte, R; Moore, M L; Meis, P J; Ernest, J M; Wells, H B

1994-02-01

This study examines the associations between race, birth weight, and mortality from endogenous causes for all singleton births born in 1984-1987 in a 20-county region of North Carolina. A more detailed analysis of preterm low birth weight infants examines these associations according to the proximate medical causes (medical etiology) of the preterm birth. Overall, black infants were found to have approximately twice the mortality risk of white infants. Most of the excess black mortality risk is explained by the larger proportion of black infants born at lower birth weights. The pattern of race differences in infant mortality by birth weight generally replicates the results of earlier studies, but the relative risk ratios within specific birth weight categories are smaller than previously reported. Among preterm low birth weight infants, the association between race and endogenous mortality differs within categories of medical etiology. The mortality risk is the same for black and white infants born preterm due to premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), lower for black infants born preterm due to medical problems, and higher for black infants born preterm due to idiopathic premature labor (IPL).

Nanoparticulate hollow TiO2 fibers as light scatterers in dye-sensitized solar cells: layer-by-layer self-assembly parameters and mechanism.

PubMed

Rahman, Masoud; Tajabadi, Fariba; Shooshtari, Leyla; Taghavinia, Nima

2011-04-04

Hollow structures show both light scattering and light trapping, which makes them promising for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. In this work, nanoparticulate hollow TiO(2) fibers are prepared by layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly deposition of TiO(2) nanoparticles on natural cellulose fibers as template, followed by thermal removal of the template. The effect of LbL parameters such as the type and molecular weight of polyelectrolyte, number of dip cycles, and the TiO(2) dispersion (amorphous or crystalline sol) are investigated. LbL deposition with weak polyelectrolytes (polyethylenimine, PEI) gives greater nanoparticle deposition yield compared to strong polyelectrolytes (poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), PDDA). Decreasing the molecular weight of the polyelectrolyte results in more deposition of nanoparticles in each dip cycle with narrower pore size distribution. Fibers prepared by the deposition of crystalline TiO(2) nanoparticles show higher surface area and higher pore volume than amorphous nanoparticles. Scattering coefficients and backscattering properties of fibers are investigated and compared with those of commercial P25 nanoparticles. Composite P25-fiber films are electrophoretically deposited and employed as the photoanode in DSSC. Photoelectrochemical measurements showed an increase of around 50% in conversion efficiency. By employing the intensity-modulated photovoltage and photocurrent spectroscopy methods, it is shown that the performance improvement due to addition of fibers is mostly due to the increase in light-harvesting efficiency. The high surface area due to the nanoparticulate structure and strong light harvesting due to the hollow structure make these fibers promising scatterers in DSSCs. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Adolescent smoking, weight changes, and binge-purge behavior: associations with secondary amenorrhea.

PubMed

Johnson, J; Whitaker, A H

1992-01-01

The association of secondary amenorrhea with extreme forms of substance use, weight control, and exercise in nonrepresentative samples raises questions as to whether adolescents in the general population who engage in these behaviors are at increased risk for secondary amenorrhea. We examined the prevalence and behavioral correlates of secondary amenorrhea in a county-wide high school population of 2544 girls aged 13 to 18. A survey questionnaire, which elicited menstrual history as well as weight history, weight control practices, level of exercise, and use of cigarettes, wine, and beer, was administered during school hours; absentees were also surveyed. The completion rate was 91%. The 1-year prevalence of secondary amenorrhea was 8.5%. Secondary amenorrhea was associated with smoking one or more packs of cigarettes per day (adjusted relative risk [RRa] = 1.96, 1.21-3.10), with multiple binge-eating behaviors in combination with laxative use or self-induced vomiting (RRa = 4.17, 2.54-6.32), and with weight fluctuation due to weight control (RRa = 2.59, 1.33-4.79). There was no association between amenorrhea and alcohol consumption or exercise level. Estimates of attributable risk are provided and indicate that bulimic behaviors and cigarette smoking may result in a considerable excess of cases of secondary amenorrhea in an adolescent population.

Is a 4-bit synaptic weight resolution enough? - constraints on enabling spike-timing dependent plasticity in neuromorphic hardware.

PubMed

Pfeil, Thomas; Potjans, Tobias C; Schrader, Sven; Potjans, Wiebke; Schemmel, Johannes; Diesmann, Markus; Meier, Karlheinz

2012-01-01

Large-scale neuromorphic hardware systems typically bear the trade-off between detail level and required chip resources. Especially when implementing spike-timing dependent plasticity, reduction in resources leads to limitations as compared to floating point precision. By design, a natural modification that saves resources would be reducing synaptic weight resolution. In this study, we give an estimate for the impact of synaptic weight discretization on different levels, ranging from random walks of individual weights to computer simulations of spiking neural networks. The FACETS wafer-scale hardware system offers a 4-bit resolution of synaptic weights, which is shown to be sufficient within the scope of our network benchmark. Our findings indicate that increasing the resolution may not even be useful in light of further restrictions of customized mixed-signal synapses. In addition, variations due to production imperfections are investigated and shown to be uncritical in the context of the presented study. Our results represent a general framework for setting up and configuring hardware-constrained synapses. We suggest how weight discretization could be considered for other backends dedicated to large-scale simulations. Thus, our proposition of a good hardware verification practice may rise synergy effects between hardware developers and neuroscientists.

Combating weight-based bullying in schools: is there public support for the use of litigation?

PubMed

Puhl, Rebecca; Luedicke, Joerg; King, Kelly M

2015-06-01

Bullying litigation is an emerging area of law that has increased in response to serious cases of bullying at school. Weight-based bullying is prevalent at school, but no research has examined the use of litigation to address this problem. We assessed public support for litigation approaches to address weight-based bullying at school, and whether support for litigation varies according to the reason why a student is bullied. A national sample of 994 adults (49% parents) completed an online questionnaire assessing their support for litigation approaches in response to hypothetical incidents of youth bullying. As many as two thirds of participants supported litigation against schools for failing to intervene and protect students from weight-based bullying. Litigation remedies received slightly higher support in response to bullying due to race or sexual orientation compared to body weight. Participants favored litigation approaches that target schools for inadequate intervention or a bully's parents on behalf of their child's actions. Our study offers novel findings about public and parental views of litigation as a potential approach to address weight-based (and other forms of) bullying, and introduces considerations about the potential role of litigation as part of broader remedies to address youth bullying. © 2015, American School Health Association.

Is a 4-Bit Synaptic Weight Resolution Enough? – Constraints on Enabling Spike-Timing Dependent Plasticity in Neuromorphic Hardware

PubMed Central

Pfeil, Thomas; Potjans, Tobias C.; Schrader, Sven; Potjans, Wiebke; Schemmel, Johannes; Diesmann, Markus; Meier, Karlheinz

2012-01-01

Large-scale neuromorphic hardware systems typically bear the trade-off between detail level and required chip resources. Especially when implementing spike-timing dependent plasticity, reduction in resources leads to limitations as compared to floating point precision. By design, a natural modification that saves resources would be reducing synaptic weight resolution. In this study, we give an estimate for the impact of synaptic weight discretization on different levels, ranging from random walks of individual weights to computer simulations of spiking neural networks. The FACETS wafer-scale hardware system offers a 4-bit resolution of synaptic weights, which is shown to be sufficient within the scope of our network benchmark. Our findings indicate that increasing the resolution may not even be useful in light of further restrictions of customized mixed-signal synapses. In addition, variations due to production imperfections are investigated and shown to be uncritical in the context of the presented study. Our results represent a general framework for setting up and configuring hardware-constrained synapses. We suggest how weight discretization could be considered for other backends dedicated to large-scale simulations. Thus, our proposition of a good hardware verification practice may rise synergy effects between hardware developers and neuroscientists. PMID:22822388

Effect of feeding different dietary levels of energy and protein on growth performance and immune status of Vanaraja chicken in the tropic.

PubMed

Perween, Shahla; Kumar, Kaushalendra; Chandramoni; Kumar, Sanjay; Singh, Pankaj Kumar; Kumar, Manoj; Dey, Amitava

2016-08-01

The present study was conducted to observe the effect of feeding dietary level of energy and protein on growth performance and immune status of Vanaraja chicken in the tropic. The experiment was conducted for 56 days on 540 1-day-old chicks, which were individually weighed and distributed into nine groups having 60 birds in each. Each group was further subdivided into triplicates having 20 birds in each. Nine different experimental rations were formulated with three levels of protein, viz., 17%, 19%, and 21%; each with three levels of energy (2600, 2800, and 3000 kcal metabolizable energy [ME]/kg), respectively. Group T8 serves as control fed with 21% protein and 2800 kcal energy as per Project Directorate of Poultry, Hyderabad given requirement. Feed consumption, live weight gain, body weight change, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated based on the amount of feed consumed every week. All the birds were vaccinated following standard protocol. The hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test have been performed to assess the immunity potential of birds due to dietary effect, and serum samples were subjected to HI test at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of age. Finally, economics of broiler production was calculated on the cost of feed per kg live weight gain. This study revealed that the effect of feeding different levels of energy and protein on growth parameters such as body weight gain and FCR was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) containing 19% and 21% crude protein with 3000 kcal ME/kg in Vanaraja birds. There was a gradual increase in antibody titer against New castle disease virus as the level of protein and energy increase. It is speculated that the better body weight gain corroborate health and antibody titer. Moreover, the better immune response recorded in the study might be due to better nutrient utilization and its extension toward the better immune response. Higher energy with medium protein diet positively reflects to obtain desirable performance economically. It was positive inclination toward ration containing high protein and energy which influence the immune response of Vanaraja birds to obtained desirable performance economically also.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ZIRCONIUM NITRIDE IN THE HOMOGENEITY REGION (in Ukrainian)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Samsonov, G.V.; Verkhoglyadova, T.S.

1962-01-01

The x-ray method was used to determine the homogeneity region of zirconium nitride as 40 to 50 at.% (9.5 to 13.3% by weight) of nitrogen. It is also shown that part of the ionic bond in the zirconium nitride lattice increases with a decrease in the nitrogen content in this region, this increase being higher than in the homogeneity region of titunium nitride due to the smaller degree of unfilling of the electron d-shell of the zirconium atom in comparison with that of the titanium atom. (auth)

European Code against Cancer 4th Edition: Obesity, body fatness and cancer.

PubMed

Anderson, Annie S; Key, Timothy J; Norat, Teresa; Scoccianti, Chiara; Cecchini, Michele; Berrino, Franco; Boutron-Ruault, Marie-Christine; Espina, Carolina; Leitzmann, Michael; Powers, Hilary; Wiseman, Martin; Romieu, Isabelle

2015-12-01

It is estimated that over half the population of the European Union (EU) is overweight or obese due to an imbalance between energy expenditure and energy intake; this is related to an obesogenic environment of sociocultural, economic and marketing challenges to the control of body weight. Excess body fat is associated with nine cancer sites - oesophagus, colorectum, gall bladder, pancreas, postmenopausal breast, endometrium, ovary, kidney and prostate (advanced) - and 4-38% of these cancers (depending on site and gender) can be attributed to overweight/obesity status. Metabolic alterations which accompany excess body weight are accompanied by increased levels of inflammation, insulin, oestrogens and other hormonal factors. There are some indications that intentional weight loss is associated with reduced cancer incidence (notably in postmenopausal breast and endometrial cancers). Excess body weight is also a risk factor for several other diseases, including diabetes and heart disease, and is related to higher risk of premature death. In reviewing the current evidence related to excess body fat and cancer, the European Code against Cancer Nutrition Working Group has developed the following recommendation: 'Take action to be a healthy body weight'. Copyright © 2015 International Agency for Research on Cancer. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Paradoxical Effects of Fruit on Obesity

PubMed Central

Sharma, Satya P.; Chung, Hea J.; Kim, Hyeon J.; Hong, Seong T.

2016-01-01

Obesity is exponentially increasing regardless of its preventable characteristics. The current measures for preventing obesity have failed to address the severity and prevalence of obesity, so alternative approaches based on nutritional and diet changes are attracting attention for the treatment of obesity. Fruit contains large amounts of simple sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, etc.), which are well known to induce obesity. Thus, considering the amount of simple sugars found in fruit, it is reasonable to expect that their consumption should contribute to obesity rather than weight reduction. However, epidemiological research has consistently shown that most types of fruit have anti-obesity effects. Thus, due to their anti-obesity effects as well as their vitamin and mineral contents, health organizations are suggesting the consumption of fruit for weight reduction purposes. These contradictory characteristics of fruit with respect to human body weight management motivated us to study previous research to understand the contribution of different types of fruit to weight management. In this review article, we analyze and discuss the relationships between fruit and their anti-obesity effects based on numerous possible underlying mechanisms, and we conclude that each type of fruit has different effects on body weight. PMID:27754404

Trends over 5 decades in U.S. occupation-related physical activity and their associations with obesity.

PubMed

Church, Timothy S; Thomas, Diana M; Tudor-Locke, Catrine; Katzmarzyk, Peter T; Earnest, Conrad P; Rodarte, Ruben Q; Martin, Corby K; Blair, Steven N; Bouchard, Claude

2011-01-01

The true causes of the obesity epidemic are not well understood and there are few longitudinal population-based data published examining this issue. The objective of this analysis was to examine trends in occupational physical activity during the past 5 decades and explore how these trends relate to concurrent changes in body weight in the U.S. Analysis of energy expenditure for occupations in U.S. private industry since 1960 using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mean body weight was derived from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). In the early 1960's almost half the jobs in private industry in the U.S. required at least moderate intensity physical activity whereas now less than 20% demand this level of energy expenditure. Since 1960 the estimated mean daily energy expenditure due to work related physical activity has dropped by more than 100 calories in both women and men. Energy balance model predicted weights based on change in occupation-related daily energy expenditure since 1960 for each NHANES examination period closely matched the actual change in weight for 40-50 year old men and women. For example from 1960-62 to 2003-06 we estimated that the occupation-related daily energy expenditure decreased by 142 calories in men. Given a baseline weight of 76.9 kg in 1960-02, we estimated that a 142 calories reduction would result in an increase in mean weight to 89.7 kg, which closely matched the mean NHANES weight of 91.8 kg in 2003-06. The results were similar for women. Over the last 50 years in the U.S. we estimate that daily occupation-related energy expenditure has decreased by more than 100 calories, and this reduction in energy expenditure accounts for a significant portion of the increase in mean U.S. body weights for women and men.

Trends over 5 Decades in U.S. Occupation-Related Physical Activity and Their Associations with Obesity

PubMed Central

Church, Timothy S.; Thomas, Diana M.; Tudor-Locke, Catrine; Katzmarzyk, Peter T.; Earnest, Conrad P.; Rodarte, Ruben Q.; Martin, Corby K.; Blair, Steven N.; Bouchard, Claude

2011-01-01

Background The true causes of the obesity epidemic are not well understood and there are few longitudinal population-based data published examining this issue. The objective of this analysis was to examine trends in occupational physical activity during the past 5 decades and explore how these trends relate to concurrent changes in body weight in the U.S. Methodology/Principal Findings Analysis of energy expenditure for occupations in U.S. private industry since 1960 using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mean body weight was derived from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). In the early 1960's almost half the jobs in private industry in the U.S. required at least moderate intensity physical activity whereas now less than 20% demand this level of energy expenditure. Since 1960 the estimated mean daily energy expenditure due to work related physical activity has dropped by more than 100 calories in both women and men. Energy balance model predicted weights based on change in occupation-related daily energy expenditure since 1960 for each NHANES examination period closely matched the actual change in weight for 40–50 year old men and women. For example from 1960–62 to 2003–06 we estimated that the occupation-related daily energy expenditure decreased by 142 calories in men. Given a baseline weight of 76.9 kg in 1960–02, we estimated that a 142 calories reduction would result in an increase in mean weight to 89.7 kg, which closely matched the mean NHANES weight of 91.8 kg in 2003–06. The results were similar for women. Conclusion Over the last 50 years in the U.S. we estimate that daily occupation-related energy expenditure has decreased by more than 100 calories, and this reduction in energy expenditure accounts for a significant portion of the increase in mean U.S. body weights for women and men. PMID:21647427

Army Corrosion Prevention and Control (CPC) Program for Facilities and Infrastructure

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-01

FY2009 - 2011 • Benefits: Reduced corrosion due to elimination of metallic rebar , reduced weight equates to reduced dead load and increased dynamic...Decks as Replacement for Steel Reinforced Concrete Decks F09AR04: Corrosion Resistant Roofs with Integrated Sustainable PV Power Systems • Where...Army Corrosion Prevention and Control (CPC) Program for Facilities and Infrastructure Dr. Craig E. College Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for

Selenium deficiency in cattle associated with Heinz bodies and anemia.

PubMed

Morris, J G; Cripe, W S; Chapman, H L; Walker, D F; Armstrong, J B; Alexander, J D; Miranda, R; Sanchez, A; Sanchez, B; Blair-West, J R

1984-02-03

Cattle grazing St. Augustine grass growing on peaty muck soils in the Florida Everglades developed anemia associated with the presence of Heinz bodies and suboptimal concentrations of selenium in blood. Selenium supplementation corrected the anemia, prevented Heinz body formation, increased the body weight of cows and calves, and elevated blood selenium. This may be the first recorded example of widespread anemia in a population due to selenium deficiency.

Uptake of CeO2 nanoparticles and its effect on growth of Medicago arborea In vitro plantlets.

PubMed

Gomez-Garay, Aranzazu; Pintos, Beatriz; Manzanera, Jose Antonio; Lobo, Carmen; Villalobos, Nieves; Martín, Luisa

2014-10-01

The present study analyzes some effects of nano-CeO2 particles on the growth of in vitro plantlets of Medicago arborea when the nanoceria was added to the culture medium. Various concentrations of nano-CeO2 and bulk ceric oxide particles in suspension form were introduced to the agar culture medium to compare the effects of nanoceria versus ceric oxide bulk material. Germination rate and shoot dry weight were not affected by the addition of ceric oxide to the culture media. Furthermore, no effects were observed on chlorophyll content (single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) measurements) due to the presence of either nano- or micro-CeO2 in the culture medium. When low concentrations of nanoceria were added to the medium, the number of trifoliate leaves and the root length increased but the root dry weight decreased. Also the values of maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (F(v)/F m) showed a significant decrease. Dark-adapted minimum fluorescence (F 0) significantly increased in the presence of 200 mg L(-1) nanoceria and 400 mg L(-1) bulk material. Root tissues were more sensitive to nanoceria than were the shoots at lower concentrations of nanoceria. A stress effect was observed on M. arborea plantlets due to cerium uptake.

Influence Of Coal Combustion Flue Gas Desulfurization Waste On Element Uptake By Maize (Zea Mays L.)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

ANNA, KNOX

2005-01-10

A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the effect of coal combustion flue gas desulfurization (FGD) waste from a coal combustion electric power facility on element uptake by maize (Zea mays L.). Unweathered FGD was applied to an Orangeburg Series (Typic Paleudult) soil with an initial soil pH salt of 4.90. The FGD was added at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 per cent by weight. The test plant, maize, was harvested after 6 weeks of growth. Within 56 days of the FGD application, all rates of FGD significantly increased pH in the soil and the soil leachatemore » above 6.0. The elemental concentration of the maize tissues indicated a characteristic elevation of B, Se, Mo, and As. However, no visual symptoms of toxicity of B or other elements in plants were observed. Increasing level of FGD caused a steady decline in dry weight, with the highest treatment producing plants which had approximately half the biomass of the control plants. Due to elevated concentrations of B and other elements and due to adverse yield effects measured on plants, unweathered FGD would not be a suitable amendment for 6-week old maize on this soil.« less

SU-E-T-385: Evaluation of DVH Change for PTV Due to Patient Weight Loss in Prostate VMAT Using Gaussian Error Function

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Viraganathan, H; Jiang, R; Chow, J

Purpose: We proposed a method to predict the change of dose-volume histogram (DVH) for PTV due to patient weight loss in prostate volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). This method is based on a pre-calculated patient dataset and DVH curve fitting using the Gaussian error function (GEF). Methods: Pre-calculated dose-volume data from patients having weight loss in prostate VMAT was employed to predict the change of PTV coverage due to reduced depth in external contour. The effect of patient weight loss in treatment was described by a prostate dose-volume factor (PDVF), which was evaluated by the prostate PTV. Along with themore » PDVF, the GEF was used to fit into the DVH curve for the PTV. To predict a new DVH due to weight loss, parameters from the GEF describing the shape of DVH curve were determined. Since the parameters were related to the PDVF as per the specific reduced depth, we could first predict the PDVF at a reduced depth based on the prostate size from the pre-calculated dataset. Then parameters of the GEF could be determined from the PDVF to plot the new DVH for the PTV corresponding to the reduced depth. Results: A MATLAB program was built basing on the patient dataset with different prostate sizes. We input data of the prostate size and reduced depth of the patient into the program. The program then calculated the PDVF and DVH for the PTV considering the patient weight loss. The program was verified by different patient cases with various reduced depths. Conclusion: Our method can estimate the change of DVH for the PTV due to patient weight loss quickly without CT rescan and replan. This would help the radiation staff to predict the change of PTV coverage, when patient’s external contour reduced in prostate VMAT.« less

Relationship between body weight and level of fat supplementation on fatty acid digestion in feedlot cattle.

PubMed

Plascencia, A; Mendoza, G D; Vásquez, C; Zinn, R A

2003-11-01

Eight Holstein steers with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a split-plot design experiment to evaluate the interaction of body weight (175 vs. 370 kg) and level of fat supplementation (0, 3, 6, and 9% yellow grease) on characteristics of digestion and feeding value of fat in finishing diets. Dry matter intake was restricted to 2% of BW. There were no interactions between BW and level of fat supplementation (P > 0.10) on ruminal or total-tract digestion. Level of supplemental fat decreased (linear, P < 0.01) ruminal digestion of OM and NDF, and increased (linear, P < 0.05) ruminal N efficiency. There were no treatment effects (P > 0.10) on postruminal digestion of OM, NDF, and N. There tended to be an interaction (P < 0.10) between BW and level of fat supplementation on postruminal starch digestion. Increasing level of fat supplementation increased postruminal digestion of starch in heavier steers but did not affect starch digestion in lighter steers. There were no interactions (P > 0.10) between BW and level of fat supplementation on postruminal fatty acid digestion. Increasing level of fat supplementation decreased (linear, P < 0.01) postruminal fatty acid digestion, which was due to a decreased (linear, P < 0.01) postruminal digestion of C16:0 and C18:0. Supplemental fat decreased (linear, P < 0.01) total-tract digestion of OM and NDF. The estimated NEm (Mcal/kg) of yellow grease averaged (linear, P < 0.01) 6.02, 5.70, and 5.06 for the 3, 6, and 9% of level supplementation, respectively. We conclude that intestinal fatty acid digestion (FAD, %) is a predictable function (r2 = 0.89; P < 0.01) of total fatty acid intake per unit body weight (FAI, g/kg BW): FAD = 87.560 - 8.591FAI. Depressions in fatty acid digestion with increasing level of intake were due primarily to decreased intestinal absorption of palmitic and stearic acid. Level of fatty acids intake did not appreciably affect intestinal absorption of unsaturated fatty acid. Changes in intestinal fatty acid digestion accounted for most of the variation in the NE value of supplemental fat.

Hydrolytic degradation of alkaline lignin in hot-compressed water and ethanol.

PubMed

Yuan, Zhongshun; Cheng, Shuna; Leitch, Mathew; Xu, Chunbao Charles

2010-12-01

Alkaline lignin of a very high molecular weight was successfully degraded into oligomers in a hot-compressed water-ethanol medium with NaOH as the catalyst and phenol as the capping agent at 220-300 degrees C. Under the optimal reaction conditions, i.e., 260 degrees C, 1 h, with the lignin/phenol ratio of 1:1 (w/w), almost complete degradation was achieved, producing <1% solid residue and negligible gas products. The obtained degraded lignin had a number-average molecular weight M(n) and weight-average molecular weight M(w) of 450 and 1000 g/mol respectively, significantly lower than the M(n) and M(w) of 10,000 and 60,000 g/mol of the original lignin. A higher temperature and a longer reaction time favoured phenol combination, but increased the formation of solid residue due to the condensation reactions of the degradation intermediates/products. The degraded lignin products were soluble in organic solvents (such as THF), and were characterized by HPLC/GPC, IR and NMR. A possible mechanism for lignin hydrolytic degradation was also proposed in this study. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Role of Sympatho-Inhibition in Combination Treatment of Obesity-Related Hypertension.

PubMed

Carnagarin, Revathy; Gregory, Cynthia; Azzam, Omar; Hillis, Graham S; Schultz, Carl; Watts, Gerald F; Bell, Damon; Matthews, Vance; Schlaich, Markus P

2017-10-28

Obesity-related hypertension is commonly characterized by increased sympathetic nerve activity and is therefore acknowledged as a predominantly neurogenic form of hypertension. The sustained sympatho-excitation not only contributes to the rise in blood pressure but also elicits a vicious cycle which facilitates further weight gain and progression of associated co-morbidities. While weight loss and exercise remain at the forefront of therapy for obesity and obesity-related hypertension, the difficulties in achieving and maintaining long-term weight loss with lifestyle measures and the variable blood pressure response to weight loss often necessitate prescription of antihypertensive drug therapy. Remarkably, there are no specific recommendations for pharmacologic treatment for obese patients with arterial hypertension in any of the current guidelines and general principles of antihypertensive treatment are applied. The use of β-blockers and diuretics is commonly discouraged as first- or second-line therapy due to their unfavorable metabolic effects. This review explores evolving therapeutic strategies which based on their interference with pathophysiologic mechanism relevant in the context of obesity may guide optimized treatment of obesity-related hypertension.

Zur Biologie des Planktons des Königshafens (Nordsylter Wattenmeer)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martens, P.

1982-06-01

From May 1979 on, the following parameters were measured at a station in the inlet of Königshafen near List (Island of Sylt): temperature, salinity, mesozooplankton (>76 µm), chlorophyll-a, seston dry weight, oxygen and phytoplankton-nutrients (NH4-N, NO2-N, NO3-N, PO4-P, SiO3-Si). A multiple regression analysis showed the interrelationships between the parameters measured. Tidal influences on zooplankton and seston dry weight could be observed. At low tide, the amount of zooplankton (not counting the harpacticoid copepods) declines and the number of harpacticoid copepods rises as does the seston dry weight too. The chlorophyll-a content is a function of the phytoplankton-nutrients. An increase in chlorophyll-a leads to a decrease in nitrogen and silicate concentrations. Phosphate, due possibly to a sewage inlet into the Königshafen, is not a limiting factor. The availability of nutrients is influenced by temperature, salinity and the tidal cycle. The amount of oxygen is dependent on water temperature and seston dry weight. High water temperatures and a high seston content lead to a decrease in oxygen concentrations.

An NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) Investigation of the Chemical Association and Molecular Dynamics in Asphalt Ridge Tar Sand Ore and Bitumen

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Netzel, D. A.; Coover, P. T.

1987-09-01

Preliminary studies on tar sand bitumen given in this report have shown that the reassociation of tar sand bitumen to its original molecular configuration after thermal stressing is a first-order process requiring nearly a week to establish equilibrium. Studies were also conducted on the dissolution of tar sand bitumen in solvents of varying polarity. At a high-weight fraction of solute to solvent the apparent molecular weight of the bitumen molecules was greater than that of the original bitumen when dissolved in chloroform-d{sub 1} and benzene-d{sub 6}. This increase in the apparent molecular weight may be due to micellar formation or a weak solute-solvent molecular complex. Upon further dilution with any of the solvents studied, the apparent molecular weight of the tar sand bitumen decreased because of reduced van der Waals forces of interaction and/or hydrogen bonding. To define the exact nature of the interactions, it will be necessary to have viscosity measurements of the solutions.

Bioaccumulation of metals in the soft tissue of Patella aspera: Application of metal/shell weight indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cravo, A.; Bebianno, M. J.

2005-11-01

Patella aspera limpets were taken from a marine clean site (MCS) and an estuarine contaminated site (ECS). The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni and Co were determined individually over the available size range. Since there were significant differences in the soft tissue weight between populations, but shell characteristics were similar (length and weight), metal/shell weight indices (MSI) were calculated in order to compare populations. For both populations iron, zinc and manganese/shell weight indices were consistently higher, in the order Fe ≫ Zn ≫ Mn than those of Cu, Ni, Co and Cd. The results exhibited a marked intra- and inter-population variability. The highest intra-variability was observed at ECS, particularly where a strong effect of shell weight upon the metal accumulation in the soft tissue was evident. Due to this effect, the comparison of populations was carried out between three selected shell weight ranges representative of light shells (0.45-1.95 g), intermediate shells (2.95-4.45 g) and heavy shells (5.45-7.33 g). The results indicate that, in general, MSI at ECS (a sewage contaminated site), except for Cd, was higher than at MCS possibly reflecting a higher environmental bioavailability of these metals. The resolution between populations was higher when the smallest range of limpets was considered and it decreased with the increase of shell weight. The highest discrimination amongst populations was found for zinc/shell weight index that showed much higher values than those of Mn, Cu, Cd, Ni and Co/shell weight indices, and spatial differentiation between populations persisted amongst the selected shell weight ranges.

Intrauterine growth retardation promotes fetal intestinal autophagy in rats via the mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway

PubMed Central

WANG, Chao; ZHANG, Ruiming; ZHOU, Le; HE, Jintian; HUANG, Qiang; SIYAL, Farman A; ZHANG, Lili; ZHONG, Xiang; WANG, Tian

2017-01-01

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) impairs fetal intestinal development, and is associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, the mechanism underlying this intestinal injury is largely unknown. We aimed to investigate this mechanism through analysis of intestinal autophagy and related signaling pathways in a rat model of IUGR. Normal weight (NW) and IUGR fetuses were obtained from primiparous rats via ad libitum food intake and 50% food restriction, respectively. Maternal serum parameters, fetal body weight, organ weights, and fetal blood glucose were determined. Intestinal apoptosis, autophagy, and the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway were analyzed. The results indicated that maternal 50% food restriction reduced maternal serum glucose, bilirubin, and total cholesterol and produced IUGR fetuses, which had decreased body weight; blood glucose; and weights of the small intestine, stomach, spleen, pancreas, and kidney. Decreased Bcl-2 and increased Casp9 mRNA expression was observed in IUGR fetal intestines. Analysis of intestinal autophagy showed that the mRNA expression of WIPI1, MAP1LC3B, Atg5, and Atg14 was also increased, while the protein levels of p62 were decreased in IUGR fetuses. Compared to NW fetuses, IUGR fetuses showed decreased mTOR protein levels and enhanced mRNA expression of ULK1 and Beclin1 in the small intestine. In summary, the results indicated that maternal 50% food restriction on gestational days 10–21 reduced maternal serum glucose, bilirubin, and total cholesterol contents, and produced IUGR fetuses that had low blood glucose and reduced small intestine weight. Intestinal injury of IUGR fetuses caused by maternal food restriction might be due to enhanced apoptosis and autophagy via the mTOR signaling pathway. PMID:28855439

Knee extensor strength and body weight in adolescent men and the risk of knee osteoarthritis by middle age.

PubMed

Turkiewicz, Aleksandra; Timpka, Simon; Thorlund, Jonas Bloch; Ageberg, Eva; Englund, Martin

2017-10-01

To assess the extent to which knee extensor strength and weight in adolescence are associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA) by middle age. We studied a cohort of 40 121 men who at age 18 years in 1969/1970 underwent mandatory conscription in Sweden. We retrieved data on isometric knee extensor strength, weight, height, smoking, alcohol consumption, parental education and adult occupation from Swedish registries. We identified participants diagnosed with knee OA or knee injury from 1987 to 2010 through the National Patient Register. We estimated the HR of knee OA using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional regression model. To assess the influence of adult knee injury and occupation, we performed a formal mediation analysis. The mean (SD) knee extensor strength was 234 (47) Nm, the mean (SD) weight was 66 (9.3) kg. During 24 years (median) of follow-up starting at the age of 35 years, 2049 persons were diagnosed with knee OA. The adjusted HR (95% CI) of incident knee OA was 1.12 (1.06 to 1.18) for each SD of knee extensor strength and 1.18 (1.15 to 1.21) per 5 kg of body weight. Fifteen per cent of the increase in OA risk due to higher knee extensor strength could be attributed to knee injury and adult occupation. Higher knee extensor strength in adolescent men was associated with increased risk of knee OA by middle age, challenging the current tenet of low muscle strength being a risk factor for OA. We confirmed higher weight to be a strong risk factor for knee OA. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Viscoelastic properties of cationic starch adsorbed on quartz studied by QCM-D.

PubMed

Tammelin, Tekla; Merta, Juha; Johansson, Leena-Sisko; Stenius, Per

2004-12-07

The adsorption and viscoelastic properties of layers of a cationic polyelectrolyte (cationic starch, CS, with 2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammoniumchloride as the substituent) adsorbed from aqueous solutions (pH 7.5, added NaCl 0, 1, 100, and 500 mM) on silica were studied with a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). Three different starches were investigated (weight-average molecular weights M(w) approximately 8.7 x 10(5) and 4.5 x 10(5) with degree of substitution DS = 0.75 and M(w) approximately 8.8 x 10(5) with DS = 0.2). At low ionic strength, the adsorbed layers are thin and rigid and the amount adsorbed can be calculated using the Sauerbrey equation. When the ionic strength is increased, significant changes take place in the amount of adsorbed CS and the viscoelasticity of the adsorbed layer. These changes were analyzed assuming that the layer can be described as a Voigt element on a rigid surface in contact with purely viscous solvent. It was found that CS with low charge density forms a thicker and more mobile layer with higher viscosity and elasticity than CS with high charge density. The polymers adsorbed on the silica even when the ionic strength was so high that electrostatic interactions were effectively screened. At this high ionic strength, it was possible to study the effect of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the CS on the properties of the adsorbed film. Increasing the molecular weight of CS resulted in a larger hydrodynamic thickness. CS with a narrow molecular weight distribution formed a more compact and rigid layer than broadly distributed CS, presumably due to the better packing of the molecules.

Water consumption increases weight loss during a hypocaloric diet intervention in middle-aged and older adults.

PubMed

Dennis, Elizabeth A; Dengo, Ana Laura; Comber, Dana L; Flack, Kyle D; Savla, Jyoti; Davy, Kevin P; Davy, Brenda M

2010-02-01

Water consumption acutely reduces meal energy intake (EI) among middle-aged and older adults. Our objectives were to determine if premeal water consumption facilitates weight loss among overweight/obese middle-aged and older adults, and to determine if the ability of premeal water consumption to reduce meal EI is sustained after a 12-week period of increased water consumption. Adults (n = 48; 55-75 years, BMI 25-40 kg/m(2)) were assigned to one of two groups: (i) hypocaloric diet + 500 ml water prior to each daily meal (water group), or (ii) hypocaloric diet alone (nonwater group). At baseline and week 12, each participant underwent two ad libitum test meals: (i) no preload (NP), and (ii) 500 ml water preload (WP). Meal EI was assessed at each test meal and body weight was assessed weekly for 12 weeks. Weight loss was ~2 kg greater in the water group than in the nonwater group, and the water group (beta = -0.87, P < 0.001) showed a 44% greater decline in weight over the 12 weeks than the nonwater group (beta = -0.60, P < 0.001). Test meal EI was lower in the WP than NP condition at baseline, but not at week 12 (baseline: WP 498 +/- 25 kcal, NP 541 +/- 27 kcal, P = 0.009; 12-week: WP 480 +/- 25 kcal, NP 506 +/- 25 kcal, P = 0.069). Thus, when combined with a hypocaloric diet, consuming 500 ml water prior to each main meal leads to greater weight loss than a hypocaloric diet alone in middle-aged and older adults. This may be due in part to an acute reduction in meal EI following water ingestion.

Water Consumption Increases Weight Loss During a Hypocaloric Diet Intervention in Middle-aged and Older adults

PubMed Central

Dennis, Elizabeth A.; Dengo, Ana Laura; Comber, Dana L.; Flack, Kyle D.; Savla, Jyoti; Davy, Kevin P.; Davy, Brenda M.

2010-01-01

Water consumption acutely reduces meal energy intake (EI) among middle-aged and older adults. Our objectives were to determine if premeal water consumption facilitates weight loss among overweight/obese middle-aged and older adults, and to determine if the ability of premeal water consumption to reduce meal EI is sustained after a 12-week period of increased water consumption. Adults (n = 48; 55–75 years, BMI 25–40 kg/m2) were assigned to one of two groups: (i) hypocaloric diet + 500 ml water prior to each daily meal (water group), or (ii) hypocaloric diet alone (nonwater group). At baseline and week 12, each participant underwent two ad libitum test meals: (i) no preload (NP), and (ii) 500 ml water preload (WP). Meal EI was assessed at each test meal and body weight was assessed weekly for 12 weeks. Weight loss was ~2 kg greater in the water group than in the nonwater group, and the water group (β = −0.87, P < 0.001) showed a 44% greater decline in weight over the 12 weeks than the nonwater group (β = −0.60, P < 0.001). Test meal EI was lower in the WP than NP condition at baseline, but not at week 12 (baseline: WP 498 ± 25 kcal, NP 541 ± 27 kcal, P = 0.009; 12-week: WP 480 ± 25 kcal, NP 506 ± 25 kcal, P = 0.069). Thus, when combined with a hypocaloric diet, consuming 500 ml water prior to each main meal leads to greater weight loss than a hypocaloric diet alone in middle-aged and older adults. This may be due in part to an acute reduction in meal EI following water ingestion. PMID:19661958

Modern molecular study of weight gain related to antidepressant treatment: clinical implications of the pharmacogenetic testing.

PubMed

Ageu, Luminiţa Ştefania; Levai, Codrina Mihaela; Andreescu, Nicoleta Ioana; Grigoraş, Mirela Loredana; Hogea, Lavinia Maria; Chiriac, Daniela Veronica; Folescu, Roxana; Bredicean, Ana Cristina; Nussbaum, Liliana Maria; Enătescu, Virgil Radu; Poroch, Vladimir; Lupu, Viorel; Puiu, Maria; Nussbaum, Laura Alexandra

2018-01-01

Antidepressant medication influences cellular lipogenesis, being associated with metabolic side effects including weight gain. Due to the increasing use of antidepressants in children and adolescents, their metabolic and endocrine adverse effects are of particular concern, especially within this pediatric population that appears to be at greater risk. Genetic factors with a possible influence on antidepressant's adverse effects include CYP [cytochrome P450 (CYP450)] polymorphisms. We target to evaluate the efficacy of the pharmacogenetic testing, when prescribing antidepressants, in correlation with the occurrence of adverse events and weight gain. Our research was performed between the years 2010 and 2016, in the University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Timisoara, Romania. We recruited 80 patients, children and adolescents with depressive disorders. Our study sample was divided in two groups: G1 - 40 patients took treatment after pharmacogenetic testing, and G2 - 40 patients without pharmacogenetic testing before the treatment election. Our results show statistically significant differences concerning the weight gain for groups G1 (with pharmacogenetic testing) and G2 (without pharmacogenetic testing). The CYP genotype and the pharmacogenetic testing, for choosing the personalized antidepressant therapy in children and adolescents with depressive disorders, proved to be good predictors for the response to antidepressants and the side effects registered, especially for weight gain. The significant correlations between the CYP polymorphisms for group G2 (without pharmacogenetic testing) and the weight gain/body mass index (BMI) increase, as major side effects induced by antidepressants, proved the fact that the pharmacogenetic screening is needed in the future clinical practice, allowing for individualized, tailored treatment, especially for at-risk pediatric categories.

Characterization of oxidized tannins: comparison of depolymerization methods, asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation and small-angle X-ray scattering.

PubMed

Vernhet, Aude; Dubascoux, Stéphane; Cabane, Bernard; Fulcrand, Hélène; Dubreucq, Eric; Poncet-Legrand, Céline

2011-09-01

Condensed tannins are a major class of plant polyphenols. They play an important part in the colour and taste of foods and beverages. Due to their chemical reactivity, tannins are not stable once extracted from plants. A number of chemical reactions can take place, leading to structural changes of the native structures to give so-called derived tannins and pigments. This paper compares results obtained on native and oxidized tannins with different techniques: depolymerization followed by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4). Upon oxidation, new macromolecules were formed. Thioglycolysis experiments showed no evidence of molecular weight increase, but thioglycolysis yields drastically decreased. When oxidation was performed at high concentration (e.g., 10 g L(-1)), the weight average degree of polymerization determined from SAXS increased, whereas it remained stable when oxidation was done at low concentration (0.1 g L(-1)), indicating that the reaction was intramolecular, yet the conformations were different. Differences in terms of solubility were observed; ethanol being a better solvent than water. We also separated soluble and non-water-soluble species of a much oxidized fraction. Thioglycolysis showed no big differences between the two fractions, whereas SAXS and AF4 showed that insoluble macromolecules have a weight average molecular weight ten times higher than the soluble ones.

Energy-Saving Melting and Revert Reduction Technology (E-SMARRT): Lost Foam Thin Wall - Feasibility of Producing Lost Foam Castings in Aluminum and Magnesium Based Alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fasoyinu, Yemi; Griffin, John A.

2014-03-31

With the increased emphasis on vehicle weight reduction, production of near-net shape components by lost foam casting will make significant inroad into the next-generation of engineering component designs. The lost foam casting process is a cost effective method for producing complex castings using an expandable polystyrene pattern and un-bonded sand. The use of un-bonded molding media in the lost foam process will impose less constraint on the solidifying casting, making hot tearing less prevalent. This is especially true in Al-Mg and Al-Cu alloy systems that are prone to hot tearing when poured in rigid molds partially due to their longmore » freezing range. Some of the unique advantages of using the lost foam casting process are closer dimensional tolerance, higher casting yield, and the elimination of sand cores and binders. Most of the aluminum alloys poured using the lost foam process are based on the Al-Si system. Very limited research work has been performed with Al-Mg and Al-Cu type alloys. With the increased emphasis on vehicle weight reduction, and given the high-strength-to-weight-ratio of magnesium, significant weight savings can be achieved by casting thin-wall (≤ 3 mm) engineering components from both aluminum- and magnesium-base alloys.« less

Effects of dietary fibers with high water-binding capacity and swelling capacity on gastrointestinal functions, food intake and body weight in male rats.

PubMed

Tan, Chengquan; Wei, Hongkui; Zhao, Xichen; Xu, Chuanhui; Peng, Jian

2017-01-01

Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation of dietary soluble fibers with high water-binding capacity (WBC) and swelling capacity (SC) on gastrointestinal tract mass, physicochemical properties of digesta, gastrointestinal mean retention time (MRT), body weight, and food intake in male rats. Methods : Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to four equal groups and fed the control diet or diet containing 2% konjac flour (KF), pregelatinized waxy maize starch plus guar gum (PWMS+GG), andPWMS plus xanthan gum (PWMS+XG) for three weeks. Results : WBC and SC of diets followed the order of PWMS+GG > KF > PWMS + XG > control. PWMS+GG and KF groups had a lower average daily food intake than the control group, but all the groups showed no difference in final body weightand the weight gain rate. The high WBC and SC of the PWMS+GG and KF groupsled to an increase of WBC and SC in the stomach digesta, and a gain of the cecal digesta weight, due to increased cecal moisture content. Conclusion : The inclusion of the novel fiber, PWMS+GG, in the diet of male rats appears to facilitate the modulation of WBC and SC of stomach digesta and the reduction of food intake.

Chronic high-sucrose diet increases fibroblast growth factor 21 production and energy expenditure in mice.

PubMed

Maekawa, Ryuya; Seino, Yusuke; Ogata, Hidetada; Murase, Masatoshi; Iida, Atsushi; Hosokawa, Kaori; Joo, Erina; Harada, Norio; Tsunekawa, Shin; Hamada, Yoji; Oiso, Yutaka; Inagaki, Nobuya; Hayashi, Yoshitaka; Arima, Hiroshi

2017-11-01

Excess carbohydrate intake causes obesity in humans. On the other hand, acute administration of fructose, glucose or sucrose in experimental animals has been shown to increase the plasma concentration of anti-obesity hormones such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), which contribute to reducing body weight. However, the secretion and action of GLP-1 and FGF21 in mice chronically fed a high-sucrose diet has not been investigated. To address the role of anti-obesity hormones in response to increased sucrose intake, we analyzed mice fed a high-sucrose diet, a high-starch diet or a normal diet for 15 weeks. Mice fed a high-sucrose diet showed resistance to body weight gain, in comparison with mice fed a high-starch diet or control diet, due to increased energy expenditure. Plasma FGF21 levels were highest among the three groups in mice fed a high-sucrose diet, whereas no significant difference in GLP-1 levels was observed. Expression levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1), FGF receptor 1c (FGFR1c) and β-klotho (KLB) mRNA in brown adipose tissue were significantly increased in high sucrose-fed mice, suggesting increases in FGF21 sensitivity and energy expenditure. Expression of carbohydrate responsive element binding protein (ChREBP) mRNA in liver and brown adipose tissue was also increased in high sucrose-fed mice. These results indicate that FGF21 production in liver and brown adipose tissue is increased in high-sucrose diet and participates in resistance to weight gain. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Stress distribution in two-dimensional silos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanco-Rodríguez, Rodolfo; Pérez-Ángel, Gabriel

2018-01-01

Simulations of a polydispersed two-dimensional silo were performed using molecular dynamics, with different numbers of grains reaching up to 64 000, verifying numerically the model derived by Janssen and also the main assumption that the walls carry part of the weight due to the static friction between grains with themselves and those with the silo's walls. We vary the friction coefficient, the radii dispersity, the silo width, and the size of grains. We find that the Janssen's model becomes less relevant as the the silo width increases since the behavior of the stresses becomes more hydrostatic. Likewise, we get the normal and tangential stress distribution on the walls evidencing the existence of points of maximum stress. We also obtained the stress matrix with which we observe zones of concentration of load, located always at a height around two thirds of the granular columns. Finally, we observe that the size of the grains affects the distribution of stresses, increasing the weight on the bottom and reducing the normal stress on the walls, as the grains are made smaller (for the same total mass of the granulate), giving again a more hydrostatic and therefore less Janssen-type behavior for the weight of the column.

Investigation of the Cause of Readmission to the Intensive Care Unit for Patients with Lung Edema or Atelectasis

PubMed Central

Zaitsu, Akinori; Hashizume, Makoto

2008-01-01

Purpose For patients with acute respiratory failure due to lung edema or atelectasis, Surplus lung water that is not removed during an initial stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) may be related to early ICU readmission. Therefore, we performed a retrospective study of patient management during the first ICU stay for such patients. Materials and Methods Of 1,835 patients who were admitted to the ICU in the 36 months from January, 2003 to December, 2005, 141 were patients readmitted, and the reason for readmission was lung edema or atelectasis in 21 patients. For these 21 patients, correlations were investigated between body weight gain at the time of initial ICU discharge (weight upon discharge from the ICU ÷ weight when entering the ICU) and the time to ICU readmission, between body weight gain and the P/F ratio at ICU readmission, between the R/E ratio (the period using a respirator (R) ÷ the length of the ICU stay after extubation (E)) and the time to ICU readmission, between the R/E ratio and body weight gain, and between body weight gain until extubation and the time to extubation. Results A negative linear relationship was found between body weight gain at the time of initial ICU discharge and the time to ICU readmission, and between body weight gain at the time of ICU discharge and the P/F ratio at ICU readmission. If body weight had increased by more than 10% at ICU discharge or the P/F ratio was below 150, readmission to the ICU within three days was likely. Patients with a large R/E ratio, a large body weight gain, and a worsening P/F ratio immediately after ICU discharge were likely to be readmitted soon to the ICU. Loss of body weight during the period of respirator support led to early extubation, since a positive correlation was found between the time to extubation and body weight gain. Conclusion Fluid management failure during the first ICU stay might cause ICU readmission for patients who had lung edema or atelectasis. Therefore, a key to the prevention of ICU readmission is to ensure complete recovery from lung failure before the initial ICU discharge. Strict water management is crucial based on body weight measurement and removal of excess lung water is essential. In addition, an apparent improvement in respiratory state may be due to respiratory support, and such an improvement should be viewed cautiously. Loss of weight at the refilling stage of transfusion prevents ICU readmission and may decrease the length of the ICU stay. PMID:18581592

Perceived weight status may contribute to education inequalities in five-year weight change among mid-aged women.

PubMed

Siu, Jessica; Giskes, Katrina; Shaw, Jonathan; Turrell, Gavin

2011-06-01

To examine education differences in five-year weight change among mid-aged adults, and to ascertain if this may be due to socioeconomic differences in perceived weight status or weight control behaviours (WCBs). Data were used from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study. Mid-aged men and women with measured weights at both baseline (1999-2000) and follow-up (2004-2005) were included. Percent weight change over the five-year interval was calculated and perceived weight status, WCBs and highest attained education were collected at baseline. Low-educated men and women were more likely to be obese at baseline compared to their high-educated counterparts. Women with a certificate-level education had a greater five-year weight gain than those with a bachelor degree or higher. Perceived weight status or WCBs did not differ by education among men and women, however participants that perceived themselves as very overweight had less weight gain than those perceiving themselves as underweight or normal weight. WCBs were not associated with five-year weight change. The higher prevalence of overweight/obesity among low-educated women may be a consequence of greater weight gain in mid-adulthood. Education inequalities in overweight/obesity among men and women made be due (in part) to overweight or obese individuals in low-educated groups not perceiving themselves as having a weight problem. © 2011 The Authors. ANZJPH © 2011 Public Health Association of Australia.

Monoterpene and herbivore-induced emissions from cabbage plants grown at elevated atmospheric CO 2 concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vuorinen, Terhi; Reddy, G. V. P.; Nerg, Anne-Marja; Holopainen, Jarmo K.

The warming of the lower atmosphere due to elevating CO 2 concentration may increase volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from plants. Also, direct effects of elevated CO 2 on plant secondary metabolism are expected to lead to increased VOC emissions due to allocation of excess carbon on secondary metabolites, of which many are volatile. We investigated how growing at doubled ambient CO 2 concentration affects emissions from cabbage plants ( Brassica oleracea subsp. capitata) damaged by either the leaf-chewing larvae of crucifer specialist diamondback moth ( Plutella xylostella L.) or generalist Egyptian cotton leafworm ( Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval)). The emission from cabbage cv. Lennox grown in both CO 2 concentrations, consisted mainly of monoterpenes (sabinene, limonene, α-thujene, 1,8-cineole, β-pinene, myrcene, α-pinene and γ-terpinene). ( Z)-3-Hexenyl acetate, sesquiterpene ( E, E)- α-farnesene and homoterpene ( E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT) were emitted mainly from herbivore-damaged plants. Plants grown at 720 μmol mol -1 of CO 2 had significantly lower total monoterpene emissions per shoot dry weight than plants grown at 360 μmol mol -1 of CO 2, while damage by both herbivores significantly increased the total monoterpene emissions compared to intact plants. ( Z)-3-Hexenyl acetate, ( E, E)- α-farnesene and DMNT emissions per shoot dry weight were not affected by the growth at elevated CO 2. The emission of DMNT was significantly enhanced from plants damaged by the specialist P. xylostella compared to the plants damaged by the generalist S. littoralis. The relative proportions of total monoterpenes and total herbivore-induced compounds of total VOCs did not change due to the growth at elevated CO 2, while insect damage increased significantly the proportion of induced compounds. The results suggest that VOC emissions that are induced by the leaf-chewing herbivores will not be influenced by elevated CO 2 concentration.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) after rectal administration of hollow-type suppositories containing hCG.

PubMed

Kowari, Kouji; Hirosawa, Iori; Kurai, Hirono; Utoguchi, Naoki; Fujii, Makiko; Watanabe, Yoshiteru

2002-05-01

To determine the effectiveness of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administered rectally, we studied the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of hCG using a hollow-type suppository. HCG was not detected in plasma when only hCG was administered rectally, even at a higher dose (4,000 IU/kg body weight) than intravenous injection, because of its low bioavailability due to high molecular weight or degradation by proteolytic activity. To enhance the rectal absorption of hCG, the effectiveness of its coadministration with alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CyD), an absorption-enhancing agent, was investigated in male rabbits. HCG was detected in plasma following coadministration of hCG and alpha-CyD (10 mg/kg body weight) into the rectum. The plasma hCG concentration increased with increasing dose of alpha-CyD. The AUC(0-48) observed after coadministration of hCG and alpha-CyD at 30 mg/kg body weight was approximately four times higher than that of hCG and alpha-CyD at 10mg/kg body weight. HCG at a high concentration induced a rapid increase in the plasma testosterone concentration (74.2 +/- 3.4 ng/ml) 2 h after intravenous administration. However, the testosterone concentration 24 h after intravenous administration decreased to the physiological level (approximately 20 ng/ml) which had been observed before such administration. On the other hand, the maximum level of testosterone concentration (40.0 +/- 12.6 ng/ml) was observed 24 h after rectal administration of hCG (400 IU/kg body weight) in combination with alpha-CyD (30 mg/kg body weight). Moreover, the plasma testosterone concentration (31.0 +/- 11.4 ng/ml) obtained 72 h after rectal administration tended to be maintained at a higher level than that (14.4 +/- 0.9ng/ml) observed before the administration. These results suggest that the hollow-type suppository as a rectal delivery system of hCG is promising as a new mode of hCG therapy.

Antenatal Vitamin D Preserves Placental Vascular and Fetal Growth in Experimental Chorioamnionitis Due to Intra-amniotic Endotoxin Exposure.

PubMed

Cookson, Michael W; Ryan, Sharon L; Seedorf, Gregory J; Dodson, R Blair; Abman, Steve H; Mandell, Erica W

2018-05-01

 Chorioamnionitis (CA) is associated with a high risk for the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) after preterm birth, but mechanisms that increase susceptibility for BPD and strategies to prevent BPD are uncertain. As a model of CA, antenatal intra-amniotic (IA) endotoxin (ETX) exposure alters placental structure, causes fetal growth restriction, increases perinatal mortality, and causes sustained cardiorespiratory abnormalities throughout infancy. Vitamin D (Vit D) has been shown to have both anti-inflammatory and proangiogenic properties. Antenatal IA treatment with Vit D (1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 ) during IA ETX exposure improves survival and increases vascular and alveolar growth in infant rats. Whether IA ETX causes decreased placental vascular development and if the protective effects of prenatal Vit D treatment are due to direct effects on the fetus or to improved placental vascular development remain unknown.  The objective of this study was to determine if IA ETX impairs placental vascular development and Vit D metabolism, and whether 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 treatment improves placental vascularity after IA ETX exposure during late gestation in pregnant rats.  Fetal rats were exposed to ETX (10 mg), ETX + 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 (1 ng/mL), 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 (1 ng/mL), or saline (control) via IA injection at E20 and delivered 2 days later. To assess placental vascular development, histologic sections from the placenta were stained for CD31 and vessel density per high power field (HPF) was determined and analyzed using Matlab software. To determine the effects of ETX on placental Vit D metabolism, Vit D receptor (VDR) and activity of the Vit D conversion enzyme, CYP27B1, were assayed from placental homogenates. Angiogenic mediators were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction by RNA extracted from placental tissue.  IA ETX reduced placenta and newborn birth weights by 22 and 20%, respectively, when compared with controls (placental weight: 0.60 vs. 0.47 g; p  < 0.0001; birth weight: 4.68 vs. 5.88 g; p  < 0.0001). IA 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 treatment increased birth weight by 12% in ETX-exposed pups (5.25 vs. 4.68 g; p  < 0.001). IA ETX decreased placental vessel density by 24% in comparison with controls (1,114 vs. 848 vessels per HPF; p  < 0.05). Treatment with IA 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 increased placenta vessel density twofold after ETX exposure (1,739 vs. 848); p  < 0.0001), and increased vessel density compared with saline controls by 56% (1,739 vs. 1,114; p  < 0.0001). IA ETX decreased both VDR and CYP27B1 expression by 83 and 35%, respectively ( p  < 0.01).  IA ETX decreases placental growth and vessel density and decreases placental VDR and CYP27B1 protein expression, and that antenatal 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 restores placental weight and vessel density, as well as birth weight. We speculate that 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 treatment preserves placental function in experimental CA and that these effects may be mediated by increased vascular growth. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Physical training improves body weight and energy balance but does not protect against hepatic steatosis in obese mice.

PubMed

Evangelista, Fabiana S; Muller, Cynthia R; Stefano, Jose T; Torres, Mariana M; Muntanelli, Bruna R; Simon, Daniel; Alvares-da-Silva, Mario R; Pereira, Isabel V; Cogliati, Bruno; Carrilho, Flair J; Oliveira, Claudia P

2015-01-01

This study sought to determine the role of physical training (PT) on body weight (BW), energy balance, histological markers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic gene expression in the liver of ob/ob mice. Adult male ob/ob mice were assigned into groups sedentary (S; n = 8) and trained (T; n = 9). PT consisted in running sessions of 60 min at 60% of maximal speed conducted five days per week for eight weeks. BW of S group was higher from the 4(th) to 8(th) week of PT compared to their own BW at the beginning of the experiment. PT decreased daily food intake and increased resting oxygen consumption and energy expenditure in T group. No difference was observed in respiratory exchange ratio, but the rates of carbohydrate and lipids oxidation, and maximal running capacity were greater in T than S group. Both groups showed liver steatosis but not inflammation. PT increased CPT1a and SREBP1c mRNA expression in T group, but did not change MTP, PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, and NFKB mRNA expression. In conclusion, PT prevented body weight gain in ob/ob mice by inducing negative energy balance and increased physical exercise tolerance. However, PT did not change inflammatory gene expression and failed to prevent liver steatosis possible due to an upregulation in the expression of SREBP1c transcription factor. These findings reveal that PT has positive effect on body weight control but not in the liver steatosis in a leptin deficiency condition.

Controlling Internal Organization of Multilayer Poly(methacrylic acid) Hydrogels with Polymer Molecular Weight

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kozlovskaya, Veronika; Zavgorodnya, Oleksandra; Ankner, John F.

Here, we report on tailoring the internal architecture of multilayer-derived poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) hydrogels by controlling the molecular weight of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVPON) in hydrogen-bonded (PMAA/PVPON) layer-by-layer precursor films. The hydrogels are produced by cross-linking PMAA in the spin-assisted multilayers followed by PVPON release. We found that the thickness, morphology, and architecture of hydrogen-bonded films and the corresponding hydrogels are significantly affected by PVPON chain length. For all systems, an increase in PVPON molecular weight from M w = 2.5 to 1300 kDa resulted in increased total film thickness. We also show that increasing polymer M w smooths the hydrogen-bonded filmmore » surfaces but roughens those of the hydrogels. Using deuterated dPMAA marker layers in neutron reflectometry measurements, we found that hydrogen-bonded films reveal a high degree of stratification which is preserved in the cross-linked films. We observed dPMAA to be distributed more widely in the hydrogen-bonded films prepared with small M w PVPON due to the greater mobility of short-chain PVPON. Furthermore, these variations in the distribution of PMAA are erased after cross-linking, resulting in a distribution of dPMAA over about two bilayers for all M w but being somewhat more widely distributed in the films templated with higher M w PVPON. Finally, our results yield new insights into controlling the organization of nanostructured polymer networks using polymer molecular weight and open opportunities for fabrication of thin films with well-organized architecture and controllable function.« less

Controlling Internal Organization of Multilayer Poly(methacrylic acid) Hydrogels with Polymer Molecular Weight

DOE PAGES

Kozlovskaya, Veronika; Zavgorodnya, Oleksandra; Ankner, John F.; ...

2015-11-16

Here, we report on tailoring the internal architecture of multilayer-derived poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) hydrogels by controlling the molecular weight of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVPON) in hydrogen-bonded (PMAA/PVPON) layer-by-layer precursor films. The hydrogels are produced by cross-linking PMAA in the spin-assisted multilayers followed by PVPON release. We found that the thickness, morphology, and architecture of hydrogen-bonded films and the corresponding hydrogels are significantly affected by PVPON chain length. For all systems, an increase in PVPON molecular weight from M w = 2.5 to 1300 kDa resulted in increased total film thickness. We also show that increasing polymer M w smooths the hydrogen-bonded filmmore » surfaces but roughens those of the hydrogels. Using deuterated dPMAA marker layers in neutron reflectometry measurements, we found that hydrogen-bonded films reveal a high degree of stratification which is preserved in the cross-linked films. We observed dPMAA to be distributed more widely in the hydrogen-bonded films prepared with small M w PVPON due to the greater mobility of short-chain PVPON. Furthermore, these variations in the distribution of PMAA are erased after cross-linking, resulting in a distribution of dPMAA over about two bilayers for all M w but being somewhat more widely distributed in the films templated with higher M w PVPON. Finally, our results yield new insights into controlling the organization of nanostructured polymer networks using polymer molecular weight and open opportunities for fabrication of thin films with well-organized architecture and controllable function.« less

Stability characteristics of compressible boundary layers over thermo-mechanically compliant walls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dettenrieder, Fabian; Bodony, Daniel

2017-11-01

Transition prediction at hypersonic flight conditions continues to be a challenge and results in conservative safety factors that increase vehicle weight. The weight and thus cost reduction of the outer skin panels promises significant impact; however, fluid-structure interaction due to unsteady perturbations in the laminar boundary layer regime has not been systematically studied at conditions relevant for reusable, hypersonic flight. In this talk, we develop and apply convective and global stability analyses for compressible boundary layers over thermo-mechanically compliant panels. This compliance is shown to change the convective stability of the boundary layer modes, with both stabilization and destabilization observed. Finite panel lengths are shown to affect the global stability properties of the boundary layer.

Low birth weight: is it related to assisted reproductive technology or underlying infertility?

PubMed

Kondapalli, Laxmi A; Perales-Puchalt, Alfredo

2013-02-01

Since 1978, we have witnessed a successful evolution of assisted reproductive technology (ART), with improvement of the pregnancy rates and a growing demand. However, in recent years, there has been increasing concern regarding its safety due to the potential health impact on its infants. The raise of the developmental origins of adult disease has positioned low birth weight (LBW) as a significant health issue. Although multiple studies have associated ART with LBW, the etiology of this association remains largely unknown. We review the potential association between different components of ART and infertility with LBW, while acknowledging the limitations of interpretation of the existing literature. Copyright © 2013 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pregnancy eating attributes study (PEAS): a cohort study examining behavioral and environmental influences on diet and weight change in pregnancy and postpartum.

PubMed

Nansel, Tonja R; Lipsky, Leah M; Siega-Riz, Anna Maria; Burger, Kyle; Faith, Myles; Liu, Aiyi

2016-01-01

The rising prevalence of maternal overweight/obesity and excessive gestational weight gain poses a serious public health concern due to the contribution of these factors to increased risk of negative health outcomes for both mother and child. Scant intervention research has indicated moderate short-term improvement in maternal diet and gestational weight gain, with little evidence of long-term behavior change, in parallel with findings from interventions outside of pregnancy. Recent laboratory-based findings from neuroscience implicate aberrant reward processing of food at the brain level ("food reward sensitivity," the between-individual variation in the response to food stimuli) as a contributor to eating beyond energy needs. However, scant research has examined the influence of these processes on weight change in population-based settings, and the relevance of these processes to pregnancy-related weight change has not been explored. The purpose of the Pregnancy Eating Attributes Study (PEAS) is to examine the role of food reward sensitivity in maternal diet and weight change during pregnancy and postpartum. The study examines the interplay of food reward sensitivity with behavioral control, home food environment, and related aspects of eating behavior in the context of weight-related biomedical, psychosocial, genetic and behavioral factors including physical activity, stress, sleep and depression. Women of varying baseline weight status (n = 450) are enrolled early in pregnancy and followed, along with their infants, until 1 year postpartum. Assessments occur during each trimester of pregnancy, and postpartum at approximately 2 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months. Maternal food reward, self-control, home food environment, eating behaviors, dietary intake, health behaviors, and anthropometrics are assessed along with maternal and infant clinical and biological data, infant anthropometrics, and feeding practices. Primary exposures of interest include food reward sensitivity, behavioral control, and home food environment. Primary outcomes include gestational weight gain, postpartum weight retention and maternal diet quality. With increasing evidence suggesting the relevance of food reward sensitivity for understanding eating behavior, PEAS aims to advance understanding of the determinants of eating behavior during pregnancy, informing future interventions for improving maternal diet and weight change, and leading to improved maternal and child health and weight trajectories. Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02217462. Date of registration: August 13, 2014.

Feasibility study on the utilization of rubber latex effluent for producing bacterial biopolymers.

PubMed

Tang, S N; Fakhru'l-Razi, A; Hassan, M A; Karim, M I

1999-01-01

Rubber latex effluent is a polluting source that has a high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). It is estimated that about 100 million liters of effluent are discharged daily from rubber processing factories. Utilization of this effluent such as the use of a coupled system not only can reduce the cost of treatment but also yield a fermentation feedstock for the production of bioplastic. This study initially was carried out to increase the production of organic acids by anaerobic treatment of rubber latex effluent. It was found that through anaerobic treatment the concentration of organic acids did not increase. Consequently, separation of organic acids from rubber latex effluent by anion exchange resin was examined as a preliminary study of recovering acetic and propionic acids. However, the suspended solids (SS) content in the raw effluent was rather high which partially blocked the ion-exchange columns. Lime was used to remove the SS in the rubber latex effluent. After the lime precipitation process, organic acids were found to adsorb strongly onto the anion exchange resin. Less adsorption of organic acids onto the resin was observed before the lime precipitation. This was probably due to more sites being occupied by colloidal particles on the resin thus inhibiting the adsorption of organic acids. The initial concentration of organic acids in the raw effluent was 3.9 g/L. After ion exchange, the concentration of the organic acids increased to 27 g/L, which could be utilized for production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). For PHA accumulation stage, concentrated rubber latex effluent obtained from ion exchange resins and synthetic acetic acid were used as the carbon source. Quantitative analyses from fed batch culture via HPLC showed that the accumulation of PHA in Alcaligenes eutrophus was maximum with a concentration of 1.182 g/L when cultivated on synthetic acetic acid, corresponding to a yield of 87% based on its cell dry weight. The dry cell weight increased from 0.71 to 1.67 g/L. On the other hand, using concentrated rubber latex effluent containing acetic and propionic acids resulted in reduced PHA content by dry weight (14%) but the dry cell weight increased from 0.49 to 1.30 g/L. The results clearly indicated that the cells grow well in rubber latex effluent but no PHA was accumulated. This could be due to the high concentration of propionic acid in culture broth or other factors such as heavy metals. Thus further work is required before rubber latex effluent can be utilized as a substrate for PHA production industrially.

ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF SALINITY AND NUTRIENT ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Healthy seagrass beds were once found throughout the shallow areas of Narragansett Bay, R.I. but have disappeared due to infilling, pollution and disease. In Greenwich Bay, a highly developed embayment within Narragansett Bay, Ruppia maritima has colonized an area on the northern shore once dominated by Zostera marina. This area is sandy, which may allow groundwater seepage. Ruppia is extremely salinity tolerant, and may also be more nutrient tolerant than Zostera. A six week microcosm experiment at two salinity (20 and 30 ppt) and 4 nutrient (0, 5, 10, and 30 µM inorganic N) levels to test their relative tolerance was conducted in 2014. Treatments were renewed daily to simulate tidal flushing and the exposure water was dosed with 15N for the first week of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, the plants were weighed and measured, and dried for later isotopic analysis. In the first experiment, Ruppia had significant structural responses to both nutrients and salinity; there was a slight decline in root weight and a decrease in the total number of shoots with increasing nutrients. Average Ruppia blade length decreased with increasing nutrients and this decrease was more evident at 30 ppt. In contrast, Zostera had no significant structural differences. For both species, there were no differences in shoot or root/rhizome weights in any treatment, nor were there differences in isotopic results due to salinity. However, δ15N in the tissue increase

Obesity: challenges to ventilatory control during exercise--a brief review.

PubMed

Babb, Tony G

2013-11-01

Obesity is a national health issue in the US. Among the many physiological changes induced by obesity, it also presents a unique challenge to ventilatory control during exercise due to increased metabolic demand of moving larger limbs, increased work of breathing due to extra weight on the chest wall, and changes in breathing mechanics. These challenges to ventilatory control in obesity can be inconspicuous or overt among obese adults but for the most part adaptation of ventilatory control during exercise in obesity appears remarkably unnoticed in the majority of obese people. In this brief review, the changes to ventilatory control required for maintaining normal ventilation during exercise will be examined, especially the interaction between respiratory neural drive and ventilation. Also, gaps in our current knowledge will be discussed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A randomized controlled trial: the effect of inulin on weight management and ectopic fat in subjects with prediabetes.

PubMed

Guess, Nicola D; Dornhorst, Anne; Oliver, Nick; Bell, Jimmy D; Thomas, E Louise; Frost, Gary S

2015-01-01

Fat infiltration of the liver, muscle and pancreas is associated with insulin resistance and risk of diabetes. Weight loss reduces ectopic fat deposition and risk of diabetes, but is difficult to sustain to due to compensatory increases in appetite. Fermentable carbohydrates have been shown to decrease appetite and food intake, and promote weight loss in overweight subjects. In animal studies, fermentable carbohydrate reduces ectopic fat independent of weight loss. We aimed to investigate the effect of the fermentable carbohydrate inulin on weight maintenance, appetite and ectopic fat in subjects with prediabetes. Forty-four subjects with prediabetes were randomized to 18 weeks' inulin or cellulose supplementation. During weeks 1-9 (weight loss phase) all subjects had four visits with a dietitian to guide them towards a 5 % weight loss. During weeks 10-18 (weight maintenance phase) subjects continued taking their assigned supplementation and were asked to maintain the weight they had lost but were offered no further support. All subjects attended study sessions at baseline, 9 and 18 weeks for measurement of weight; assessment of adipose tissue and ectopic fat content by magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy; glucose, insulin and GLP-1 levels following a meal tolerance test; and appetite by ad libitum meal test and visual analogue scales. Both groups lost approximately 5 % of their body weight by week nine (-5.3 ± 0.1 % vs -4.3 ± 0.4 %, p = 0.13, but the inulin group lost significantly more weight between 9 and 18 weeks (-2.3 ± 0.5 % vs -0.6 ± 0.4 %, p = 0.012). Subjects taking inulin had lower hepatic (p = 0.02) and soleus muscle (p < 0.05) fat content at 18 weeks compared to control even after controlling for weight loss and consumed less at the ad libitum meal test (p = 0.027). Fasting glucose significantly decreased at week nine only (p = 0.005), insulin concentrations did not change, and there was a significant increase in GLP-1 in the cellulose group at 9 and 18 weeks (p < 0.03, p < 0.00001). Inulin may have a two-pronged effect on the risk of diabetes by 1) promoting weight loss 2) reducing intrahepatocellular and intramyocellular lipid in people with prediabetes independent of weight loss. NCT01841073.

Adsorption of poly(vinyl alcohol) from water to a hydrophobic surface: effects of molecular weight, degree of hydrolysis, salt, and temperature.

PubMed

Kozlov, Mikhail; McCarthy, Thomas J

2004-10-12

The adsorption of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) from aqueous solutions to a silicon-supported fluoroalkyl monolayer is described. Thickness, wettability, and roughness of adsorbed films are studied as a function of polymer molecular weight, degree of hydrolysis (from the precursor, poly(vinyl acetate)), polymer concentration, salt type and concentration, and temperature. The data suggest a two-stage process for adsorption of the polymer: physisorption due to a hydrophobic effect (decrease in interfacial free energy) and subsequent stabilization of the adsorbed layer due to crystallization of the polymer. Adsorption of lower-molecular-weight polymers results in thicker films than those prepared with a higher molecular weight; this is ascribed to better crystallization of more mobile short chains. Higher contents of unhydrolyzed acetate groups on the poly(vinyl alcohol) chain lead to thicker adsorbed films. Residual acetate groups partition to the outermost surface of the films and determine wettability. Salts, including sodium chloride and sodium sulfate, promote adsorption, which results in thicker films; at the same time, their presence over a wide concentration range leads to formation of rough coatings. Sodium thiocyanate has little effect on PVOH adsorption, only slightly reducing the thickness in a 2 M salt solution. Increased temperature promotes adsorption in the presence of salt, but has little effect on salt-free solutions. Evidently, higher temperatures favor adsorption but cause crystallization to be less thermodynamically favorable. These competing effects result in the smoothest coatings being formed in an intermediate temperature range. Copyright 2004 American Chemical Society

Psychiatric Adverse Effects of Rimonobant in Adults with Prader-Willi syndrome

PubMed Central

Motaghedi, Roja; Lipman, Elizabeth G; Hogg, Jeannette E.; Christos, Paul J.; Vogiatzi, Maria G.; Angulo, Moris A.

2010-01-01

Background Prader Willi syndrome (PWS) without strict environmental modifications can lead to obesity associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In addition to increased appetite, these individuals have decreased energy expenditure with lower insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which contributes to adiposity. No effective treatment is available for this condition. Endocannabinoid receptor CB1 antagonist, rimonobant, has been effective for treatment of obesity in adult subjects. Rimonabant promotes weight loss by multiple proposed mechanisms, including decreased appetite and lipogenesis, and increased energy expenditure. Therefore, we conducted this pilot study to evaluate the effect of rimonabant on body weight and composition of adults with PWS. Method This was a double blind placebo controlled study. Body weight, total fat mass, fasting ghrelin, leptin, IGF1 and insulin like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP3) were collected at baseline, and after 90 and 180 days of treatment with placebo or 20 mg of rimonabant. Results Due to psychiatric adverse effects, 50% of subjects in the rimonabant group withdrew, and the study was terminated early (N=10) for safety concerns. There was a trend for weight loss, lower fat mass and higher IGF1 level at the end of study in this group. Leptin followed the fat mass and decreased with rimonabant treatment. Conclusion Rimonabant administration may be efficacious for weight loss in adults with PWS; unfortunately it is associated with an unacceptably high risk of psychiatric side effects. Future CB1 antagonists will need a better psychiatric profile before considered in the treatment of obesity in this genetic condition. PMID:20965292

The Hypothalamic Inflammatory/Gliosis Response to Neonatal Overnutrition Is Sex and Age Dependent.

PubMed

Argente-Arizón, Pilar; Díaz, Francisca; Ros, Purificación; Barrios, Vicente; Tena-Sempere, Manuel; García-Segura, Luis Miguel; Argente, Jesús; Chowen, Julie A

2018-01-01

Astrocytes participate in both physiological and pathophysiological responses to metabolic and nutrient signals. Although most studies have focused on the astrocytic response to weight gain due to high-fat/high-carbohydrate intake, surplus intake of a balanced diet also induces excess weight gain. We have accessed the effects of neonatal overnutrition, which has both age- and sex-dependent effects on weight gain, on hypothalamic inflammation/gliosis. Although both male and female Wistar rats accumulate excessive fat mass as early as postnatal day (PND) 10 with neonatal overnutrition, no increase in hypothalamic cytokine levels, markers of astrocytes or microglia, or inflammatory signaling pathways were observed. At PND 50, no effect of neonatal overnutriton was found in either sex, whereas at PND 150, males again weighed significantly more than their controls, and this was coincident with an increase in markers of inflammation and astrogliosis in the hypothalamus. Circulating triglycerides and free fatty acids were also elevated in these males, but not in females or in either sex at PND 10. Thus, the effects of fatty acids and estrogens on astrocytes in vitro were analyzed. Our results indicate that changes in circulating fatty acid levels may be involved in the induction of hypothalamic inflammation/gliosis in excess weight gain, even on a normal diet, and that estrogens could participate in the protection of females from these processes. In conclusion, the interaction of developmental influences, dietary composition, age, and sex determines the central inflammatory response and the associated long-term outcomes of excess weight gain. Copyright © 2018 Endocrine Society.

Interaction between postural asymmetry and visual feedback effects in undisturbed upright stance control in healthy adults.

PubMed

Rougier, Patrice R; Boudrahem, Samir

2017-09-01

The technique of additional visual feedback has been shown to significantly decrease the center of pressure (CP) displacements of a standing subject. Body-weight asymmetry is known to increase postural instability due to difficulties in coordinating the reaction forces exerted under each foot and is often a cardinal feature of various neurological and traumatic diseases. To examine the possible interactions between additional visual feedback and body-weight asymmetry effects, healthy adults were recruited in a protocol with and without additional visual feedback, with different levels of body-weight asymmetry. CP displacements under each foot were recorded and used to compute the resultant CP displacements (CP Res ) and to estimate vertically projected center of gravity (CG v ) and CP Res -CG v displacements. Overall, six conditions were randomly proposed combining two factors: asymmetry with three BW percentage distributions (50/50, 35/65 and 20/80; left/right leg) and feedback (with or without additional VFB). The additional visual feedback technique principally reduces CG v displacements, whereas asymmetry increases CP Res -CG v displacements along the mediolateral axis. Some effects on plantar CP displacements were also observed, but only under the unloaded foot. Interestingly, no interaction between additional visual feedback and body-weight asymmetry was reported. These results suggest that the various postural effects that ensue from manipulating additional visual feedback parameters, shown previously in healthy subjects in various studies, could also apply independently of the level of asymmetry. Visual feedback effects could be observed in patients presenting weight-bearing asymmetries. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Zinc-α2-Glycoprotein Expression in Adipose Tissue of Obese Postmenopausal Women before and after Weight Loss with and without Exercise

PubMed Central

Ge, Shealinna; Ryan, Alice S.

2014-01-01

Objective Zinc-Alpha 2-Glycoprotein (ZAG) has recently been implicated in the regulation of adipose tissue metabolism due to its negative association with obesity and insulin resistance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between adipose tissue ZAG expression and central obesity, and the effects of six-months of weight loss (WL) or aerobic exercise + weight loss (AEX+WL) on ZAG expression. Design and Methods A six-month, longitudinal study of 33 healthy, overweight or obese postmenopausal women (BMI: 25–46 kg/m2) was conducted. Abdominal and gluteal adipose tissue samples were obtained before and after AEX+WL (n=17) and WL (n=16). ZAG expression was determined by RT-PCR. Results Prior to interventions, abdominal ZAG expression was negatively correlated with visceral fat (r=−0.50, P<0.005), sagittal diameter (r=−0.42, P<0.05), and positively related to VO2max (r=0.37, P<0.05). Gluteal ZAG expression was negatively correlated with weight, fat-free mass, visceral fat, resting metabolic rate, and fasting insulin (r=−0.39 to −0.50, all P<0.05). Abdominal ZAG mRNA levels increased, though not significantly, 5% after AEX+WL and 11% after WL. Gluteal ZAG mRNA levels also did not change significantly with AEX+WL and WL. Conclusions Abdominal ZAG expression may be important in central fat accumulation and fitness that modestly but not significantly increases with weight reduction alone or with aerobic training in obese postmenopausal women. PMID:24929893

Optimization of composite tiltrotor wings with extensions and winglets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kambampati, Sandilya

Tiltrotors suffer from an aeroelastic instability during forward flight called whirl flutter. Whirl flutter is caused by the whirling motion of the rotor, characterized by highly coupled wing-rotor-pylon modes of vibration. Whirl flutter is a major obstacle for tiltrotors in achieving high-speed flight. The conventional approach to assure adequate whirl flutter stability margins for tiltrotors is to design the wings with high torsional stiffness, typically using 23% thickness-to-chord ratio wings. However, the large aerodynamic drag associated with these high thickness-to-chord ratio wings decreases aerodynamic efficiency and increases fuel consumption. Wingtip devices such as wing extensions and winglets have the potential to increase the whirl flutter characteristics and the aerodynamic efficiency of a tiltrotor. However, wing-tip devices can add more weight to the aircraft. In this study, multi-objective parametric and optimization methodologies for tiltrotor aircraft with wing extensions and winglets are investigated. The objectives are to maximize aircraft aerodynamic efficiency while minimizing weight penalty due to extensions and winglets, subject to whirl flutter constraints. An aeroelastic model that predicts the whirl flutter speed and a wing structural model that computes strength and weight of a composite wing are developed. An existing aerodynamic model (that predicts the aerodynamic efficiency) is merged with the developed structural and aeroelastic models for the purpose of conducting parametric and optimization studies. The variables of interest are the wing thickness and structural properties, and extension and winglet planform variables. The Bell XV-15 tiltrotor aircraft the chosen as the parent aircraft for this study. Parametric studies reveal that a wing extension of span 25% of the inboard wing increases the whirl flutter speed by 10% and also increases the aircraft aerodynamic efficiency by 8%. Structurally tapering the wing of a tiltrotor equipped with an extension and a winglet can increase the whirl flutter speed by 15% while reducing the wing weight by 7.5%. The baseline design for the optimization is the optimized wing with no extension or winglet. The optimization studies reveal that the optimum design for a cruise speed of 250 knots has an increased aerodynamic efficiency of 7% over the baseline design for only a weight penalty of 3% - thus a better transport range of 5.5% more than the baseline. The optimal design for a cruise speed of 300 knots has an increased aerodynamic efficiency of 5%, a weight penalty of 2.5%, and a better transport range of 3.5% more than the baseline.

Effects of walking or resistance training on weight loss maintenance in obese, middle-aged men: a randomized trial.

PubMed

Borg, P; Kukkonen-Harjula, K; Fogelholm, M; Pasanen, M

2002-05-01

To investigate whether walking or resistance training improves weight maintenance after weight loss when added to dietary counselling. Two months' weight reduction with very-low-energy-diet (VLED) followed by randomization into three groups (control, walking, resistance training) for 6 months' weight maintenance (WM) program and 23 months' unsupervised follow-up. During VLED and WM all groups received similar dietary counselling. The main inclusion criteria were BMI >30 kg/m(2), waist>100 cm and physical inactivity (exercise < or = once a week). Ninety healthy, obese (mean BMI 32.9 kg/m(2) and waist 112.5 cm), 35-50 y-old men started the study and 68 were measured at the end of the study. Weight and body composition assessed by underwater weighing. Exercise diaries and dietary records to assess energy balance. During VLED the mean body weight decreased from 106.0 (s.d. 9.9) kg to 91.7 (9.4) kg. Weight was regained mostly during follow-up and in the end of the study the mean weight in groups was 99.9-102.0 kg. Exercise training did not improve short or long-term weight maintenance when compared to the control group. However, resistance training attenuated the regain of body fat mass during WM (P=0.0l), but not during follow-up. In the combined groups the estimated total energy expenditure (EE) of reported physical activity was associated with less weight regain during WM. EE of 10.1 MJ/week was associated with maintaining weight after weight loss. EE of physical activity tended to decrease after WM in exercise groups due to poor long-term adherence to prescribed exercise. Energy intake seemed to increase during follow-up. Exercise training of moderate dose did not seem to improve long-term weight maintenance because of poor adherence to prescribed exercise.

Transfer of preterm infants from incubator to open cot at lower versus higher body weight.

PubMed

New, K; Flenady, V; Davies, M W

2008-01-23

The use of incubators in helping to maintain a thermoneutral environment for preterm infants has become routine practice in neonatal nurseries. As one of the key criteria for discharging preterm infants from nurseries is their ability to maintain temperature; the infant will need to make the transition from incubator to open cot at some time before discharge. The timing of this transition is important because, when an infant is challenged by cold, the infant attempts to increase its heat production to maintain body temperature. The increase in energy expenditure may affect weight gain. The practice of transferring infants from incubators to open cots usually occurs once a weight of around 1700 - 1800 g has been reached; however, this practice varies widely among neonatal units. This target weight appears to be largely based on tradition or the personal experience of clinicians, with little consideration of the infant's weight or gestational age at birth. The main objective was to assess the effects on weight gain and temperature control of a policy of transferring preterm infants from incubator to open cot at lower versus higher body weight. Searches were undertaken of MEDLINE from April 2007 back to 1950, CINAHL from April 2007 back to 1982 and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2007). The title and abstract of each retrieved study were examined to assess eligibility. If there was uncertainty, the full paper was examined. Trials in which preterm infants were allocated to a policy of transfer from incubators to open cots at a lower body weight versus at a higher body weight. Quality assessments and data extraction for included trials were conducted independently by the reviewers. Data for individual trial results were analysed using relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD). Results are presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Due to insufficient data, meta-analysis could not be undertaken. Five studies were identified as potentially eligible for inclusion in this review. Three studies were excluded as neither random nor quasi-random allocation to the exposure was employed. Two small quasi-randomised studies, involving 74 preterm infants are included in this review. These studies compared the transfer of infants to open cots at 1600 - 1700 g vs. 1800- 1900 g, and 1700 g vs. 1800 g. Data for only two prespecified outcomes could be included in this review. No statistically significant difference was shown for either return to incubator [one trial (N = 60) RR 2.00; 95% CI 0.40 to 10.11] or daily weight gain measured in g/kg/day [one trial (N = 14) MD 1.00 g/kg/day; 95% CI -2.89, 4.89]. Due to insufficient data, meta-analysis was not performed and effects on clinically important outcomes could not be adequately assessed. There is currently little evidence from randomised trials to inform practice on the preferred weight for transferring preterm infants from incubators to open cots. There is a need for larger randomised controlled trials to address this deficiency.

Changes seen in gut bacteria content and distribution with obesity: causation or association?

PubMed

Bell, David S H

2015-01-01

In the microbiota of both obese animals and humans there is an increased ratio of the gram positive Firmicutes to the gram negative Bacteroidetes (the obesity pattern). To assess if altering this ratio in animals and humans would prevent obesity or reduce body weight in the obese subject this review was preformed. A survey of all the available English language literature utilizing Medline on this topic was obtained and critically reviewed. The key words that were utilized were gut microbiota, diet and obesity. In both humans and animals changes in diet, particularly the utilization of the high fat, high calorie Western diet, utilization of artificial sweeteners and disruption of the diurnal rhythm will quickly change the microbiota from a thin to an obese pattern. In animals, the transfer of an obese microbiota to germ free animals and thin animals results in obesity and the introduction of a lean microbiota will result in weight loss in obese animals. However, in humans similar changes in the gut microbiota induced with probiotics and prebiotics have not been shown to result in weight loss. In both animals and humans the most dramatic changes in the gut microbiota occur following weight loss resulting from a gastric bypass where there is a restoration to a normal Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio. These changes could either be due to the dramatic change in the composition of the diet which occurs following this surgery or due to down-regulation of the Farnesoid X Receptor which causes a decrease in bile acid production and an elevation of the gut pH which in turn allows the regrowth of bacteria associated with weight loss which were previously unable to grow in the acidic intestinal environment caused by excess production of bile acids. In both humans and animals there are characteristic changes in the gut microbiota associated with obesity. In animals but not in humans altering the microbiota can result in weight loss and weight gain which does not occur in humans. This suggests that in humans the changes in gut microbiota are an association with rather than the cause of obesity.

Bromate formation in a hybrid ozonation-ceramic membrane filtration system.

PubMed

Moslemi, Mohammadreza; Davies, Simon H; Masten, Susan J

2011-11-01

The effect of pH, ozone mass injection rate, initial bromide concentration, and membrane molecular weight cut off (MWCO) on bromate formation in a hybrid membrane filtration-ozonation reactor was studied. Decreasing the pH, significantly reduced bromate formation. Bromate formation increased with increasing gaseous ozone mass injection rate, due to increase in dissolved ozone concentrations. Greater initial bromide concentrations resulted in higher bromate concentrations. An increase in the bromate concentration was observed by reducing MWCO, which resulted in a concomitant increase in the retention time in the system. A model to estimate the rate of bromate formation was developed. Good correlation between the model simulation and the experimental data was achieved. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Critical periods in the variation in body composition in school children.

PubMed

Cristi-Montero, Carlos; Bresciani, Guilherme; Alvarez, Ana; Arriagada, Valentina; Beneventi, Angelo; Canepa, Valentina; Espinoza, Paula; Parraguez, Melisa; Toledo, Carlos; Valencia, Consuelo; Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Fernando

2014-10-01

To identify critical periods in the variation in body composition during a school year and determine possible causes. A total of 363 boys and girls aged between 10 and 14 years participated in the study. Before and after the Winter Holidays (WIH) and National Holidays (NAH) (July and September, respectively), measurements were taken of body weight, body fat percentage, waist perimeter, time spent on physical activity and hours of sleep in order to determine the variations. The normality of the data was confirmed and the means were compared with an alpha significance level of p<0.05. The school children increased in weight by 600 g and 510 g in the NAH and WIH, respectively (p<0.0001), and their body fat percentage was significantly increased during both periods (0.51%); however, the waist perimeter measurement saw no significant changes. It can also be seen that in NAH physical activity dropped by an important amount (-41 min, p<0.0001), though this did not occur in WIH. A significant increase in hours of sleep was also seen during the two holiday periods (~1 to 2 hours/day). It is concluded that both NAH and WIH can be considered critical periods due to the sharp increase in body weight and body fat percentage in the school children, where a possible cause is the reduction in time spent on physical activity. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

[Isolated dietary counselling program versus supplement and dietary counselling in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection].

PubMed

de Luis, Daniel; Aller, Rocío; Bachiller, Pablo; González-Sagrado, Manuel; de Luis, Javier; Izaola, Olatz; Terroba, María Concepción; Cuéllar, Luis

2003-04-26

Nutritional intervention is a controversial area. The aim of the study was to compare the influence on nutritional status of nutritional supplementation with a standard polymeric formula as well as nutritional counselling versus isolated nutritional counselling in a group of HIV-infected patients. There were 70 patients, 66 of whom were fully evaluated for each study end point after application of prospectively determined evaluability criteria. Of these, 35 were randomized to group I (standard formula) and 35 were randomized to unsupplemented group II. Group I patients received standard enteral formula (3 cans/day, 250 ml per can). Patients were submitted to a prospective serial assessment of their nutrition status (anthropometric and biochemical status) and the nutritional intake was determined by means of 24-hours written food records. Determinations were performed at baseline and at 3 months. Treatment with oral supplements in group I resulted in a significant and sustained increase in weight (2.75%; p < 0.05) which was mostly due to fat mass (10.8%; p < 0.05). In contrast, no changes were detected in group II patients. The increase in body weight and tricipital skinfold was significant in group I. Total body water and fat free-mass remained without changes. CD4 counts and viral load remained stable in both groups. Oral nutritional supplements for a 3-months period resulted in body weight gain in HIV-infected patients, increasing the fat mass. An isolated nutritional counselling did not result in such an increase.

Size distribution and clothing-air partitioning of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons generated by barbecue.

PubMed

Lao, Jia-Yong; Wu, Chen-Chou; Bao, Lian-Jun; Liu, Liang-Ying; Shi, Lei; Zeng, Eddy Y

2018-10-15

Barbecue (BBQ) is one of the most popular cooking activities with charcoal worldwide and produces abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and particulate matter. Size distribution and clothing-air partitioning of particle-bound PAHs are significant for assessing potential health hazards to humans due to exposure to BBQ fumes, but have not been examined adequately. To address this issue, particle and gaseous samples were collected at 2-m and 10-m distances from a cluster of four BBQ stoves. Personal samplers and cotton clothes were carried by volunteers sitting near the BBQ stoves. Particle-bound PAHs (especially 4-6 rings) derived from BBQ fumes were mostly affiliated with fine particles in the size range of 0.18-1.8 μm. High molecular-weight PAHs were mostly unimodal peaking in fine particles and consequently had small geometric mean diameters and standard deviations. Source diagnostics indicated that particle-bound PAHs in BBQ fumes were generated primarily by combustion of charcoal, fat content in food, and oil. The influences of BBQ fumes on the occurrence of particle-bound PAHs decreased with increasing distance from BBQ stoves, due to increased impacts of ambient sources, especially by petrogenic sources and to a lesser extent by wind speed and direction. Octanol-air and clothing-air partition coefficients of PAHs obtained from personal air samples were significantly correlated to each other. High molecular-weight PAHs had higher area-normalized clothing-air partition coefficients in cotton clothes, i.e., cotton fabrics may be a significant reservoir of higher molecular-weight PAHs. Particle-bound PAHs from barbecue fumes are generated largely from charcoal combustion and food-charred emissions and mainly affiliated with fine particles. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

[18F]DPA-714 PET imaging shows immunomodulatory effect of intravenous administration of bone marrow stromal cells after transient focal ischemia.

PubMed

Tan, Chengbo; Zhao, Songji; Higashikawa, Kei; Wang, Zifeng; Kawabori, Masahito; Abumiya, Takeo; Nakayama, Naoki; Kazumata, Ken; Ukon, Naoyuki; Yasui, Hironobu; Tamaki, Nagara; Kuge, Yuji; Shichinohe, Hideo; Houkin, Kiyohiro

2018-05-02

The potential application of bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) therapy in stroke has been anticipated due to its immunomodulatory effects. Recently, positron emission tomography (PET) with [ 18 F]DPA-714, a translocator protein (TSPO) ligand, has become available for use as a neural inflammatory indicator. We aimed to evaluate the effects of BMSC administration after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) using [ 18 F]DPA-714 PET. The BMSCs or vehicle were administered intravenously to rat MCAO models at 3 h after the insult. Neurological deficits, body weight, infarct volume, and histology were analyzed. [ 18 F]DPA-714 PET was performed 3 and 10 days after MCAO. Rats had severe neurological deficits and body weight loss after MCAO. Cell administration ameliorated these effects as well as the infarct volume. Although weight loss occurred in the spleen and thymus, cell administration suppressed it. In both vehicle and BMSC groups, [ 18 F]DPA-714 PET showed a high standardized uptake value (SUV) around the ischemic area 3 days after MCAO. Although SUV was increased further 10 days after MCAO in both groups, the increase was inhibited in the BMSC group, significantly. Histological analysis showed that an inflammatory reaction occurred in the lymphoid organs and brain after MCAO, which was suppressed in the BMSC group. The present results suggest that BMSC therapy could be effective in ischemic stroke due to modulation of systemic inflammatory responses. The [ 18 F]DPA-714 PET/CT system can accurately demonstrate brain inflammation and evaluate the BMSC therapeutic effect in an imaging context. It has great potential for clinical application.

A review of feed efficiency in swine: biology and application.

PubMed

Patience, John F; Rossoni-Serão, Mariana C; Gutiérrez, Néstor A

2015-01-01

Feed efficiency represents the cumulative efficiency with which the pig utilizes dietary nutrients for maintenance, lean gain and lipid accretion. It is closely linked with energy metabolism, as the oxidation of carbon-containing components in the feed drive all metabolic processes. While much is known about nutrient utilization and tissue metabolism, blending these subjects into a discussion on feed efficiency has proven to be difficult. For example, while increasing dietary energy concentration will almost certainly increase feed efficiency, the correlation between dietary energy concentration and feed efficiency is surprisingly low. This is likely due to the plethora of non-dietary factors that impact feed efficiency, such as the environment and health as well as individual variation in maintenance requirements, body composition and body weight. Nonetheless, a deeper understanding of feed efficiency is critical at many levels. To individual farms, it impacts profitability. To the pork industry, it represents its competitive position against other protein sources. To food economists, it means less demand on global feed resources. There are environmental and other societal implications as well. Interestingly, feed efficiency is not always reported simply as a ratio of body weight gain to feed consumed. This review will explain why this arithmetic calculation, as simple as it initially seems, and as universally applied as it is in science and commerce, can often be misleading due to errors inherent in recording of both weight gain and feed intake. This review discusses the importance of feed efficiency, the manner in which it can be measured and reported, its basis in biology and approaches to its improvement. It concludes with a summary of findings and recommendations for future efforts.

Does gastric bypass surgery change body weight set point?

PubMed Central

Hao, Z; Mumphrey, M B; Morrison, C D; Münzberg, H; Ye, J; Berthoud, H R

2016-01-01

The relatively stable body weight during adulthood is attributed to a homeostatic regulatory mechanism residing in the brain which uses feedback from the body to control energy intake and expenditure. This mechanism guarantees that if perturbed up or down by design, body weight will return to pre-perturbation levels, defined as the defended level or set point. The fact that weight re-gain is common after dieting suggests that obese subjects defend a higher level of body weight. Thus, the set point for body weight is flexible and likely determined by the complex interaction of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. Unlike dieting, bariatric surgery does a much better job in producing sustained suppression of food intake and body weight, and an intensive search for the underlying mechanisms has started. Although one explanation for this lasting effect of particularly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) is simple physical restriction due to the invasive surgery, a more exciting explanation is that the surgery physiologically reprograms the body weight defense mechanism. In this non-systematic review, we present behavioral evidence from our own and other studies that defended body weight is lowered after RYGB and sleeve gastrectomy. After these surgeries, rodents return to their preferred lower body weight if over- or underfed for a period of time, and the ability to drastically increase food intake during the anabolic phase strongly argues against the physical restriction hypothesis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Although the mechanism involves central leptin and melanocortin signaling pathways, other peripheral signals such as gut hormones and their neural effector pathways likely contribute. Future research using both targeted and non-targeted ‘omics’ techniques in both humans and rodents as well as modern, genetically targeted, neuronal manipulation techniques in rodents will be necessary. PMID:28685029

Does body image perception relate to quality of life in middle-aged women?

PubMed Central

Medeiros de Morais, Maria Socorro; Vieira, Mariana Carmem Apolinário; Moreira, Mayle Andrade; da Câmara, Saionara Maria Aires; Campos Cavalcanti Maciel, Álvaro; Almeida, Maria das Graças

2017-01-01

Objective In Brazil, information about the influence of body image on the various life domains of women in menopausal transition is scarce. Thus, the objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between body image and quality of life in middle-aged Brazilian women. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 250 women between 40 and 65 years old, living in Parnamirim/RN, Brazil, who were evaluated in relation to body image and quality of life. For body image, women were classified as: dissatisfied due to low weight, satisfied (with their body weight) and dissatisfied due to being overweight. Quality of life was assessed through a questionnaire in which higher values indicate higher quality of life. Multiple linear regression was performed to analyze the relationship between body image and quality of life, adjusted for covariates that presented p<0.20 in the bivariate analysis. Results The average age was 52.1 (± 5.6) years, 82% of the women reported being dissatisfied due to being overweight, and 4.4% were dissatisfied due to having low weight. After multiple linear regression analyzes, body image remained associated with health (p<0.001), emotional (p = 0.016), and sexual (p = 0.048) domains of quality of life, as well as total score of the questionnaire (p<0.001). Conclusion Women who reported being dissatisfied with their body image due to having low weight or overweight had worse quality of life in comparison to those who were satisfied (with their body weight). PMID:28926575

Effect of dietary supplementation of fermented fish silage on serum biochemical parameters of broiler Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

PubMed

Panda, Sasmita; Babu, Laxman Kumar; Panda, Arun Kumar; S, Tanuja; Mohanty, Anurag; Panigrahy, Kuldeep Kumar; Samal, Pinaki

2017-04-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding fermented fish silage (FFS) on serum biochemical parameters of Japanese quails ( Coturnix coturnix japonica ). A total of 192, 7-day-old broiler Japanese quail chicks of either sex, were randomly distributed into four dietary treatments with four replicates in each group having 12 chicks in each replicate pen. The dietary treatments were T 1 - Control diet, T 2 - Diet containing 5% FFS, T 3 - Diet containing 10% FFS, and T 4 - Diet containing 15% FFS. Group body weight and feed consumption were recorded at weekly intervals. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was derived by dividing the feed consumed with the weekly body weight gain. At the end of the experiment, 8 birds from each treatment were selected randomly and sacrificed by cervical dislocation to study the carcass traits expressed as % pre-slaughter live weight. At 5 weeks of age, about 2 ml of blood was taken from the jugular vein of each selected bird, and serum samples were separated after centrifugation. Total protein, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, calcium, phosphorus, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were estimated in the serum. The cumulative body weight gains from 1 to 5 weeks of age did not vary significantly between control and 5% FFS group. However, a linear decrease in body weight gain was observed by increasing the levels of FFS beyond 5% in the diet. The cumulative feed consumption was significantly higher in case of birds under control group during 1-5 weeks of age as compared to birds fed FFS based diet (5%, 10%, and 15%). No statistical difference in cumulative feed conversion ratio could be noticed during 1-5 weeks of age. The eviscerated yield decreased and giblet weight increased due to the dietary supplementation of FFS at 15% level. The breast meat yield decreased due to dietary supplementation of FFS at 10% and 15% level in the diet of broiler Japanese quails. The effect of FFS was found to be nonsignificant (p>0.05) with respect to serum total protein, globulin and A/G ratio under different treatments whereas significant difference observed in serum albumin concentration. Dietary supplementation of FFS at 10% and 15% level significantly increased the AST concentration in serum. There was no significant difference among the treatments regarding the parameters such as ALT, calcium, phosphorous, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C, VLDL-C, and LDL-C. The serum-biochemical parameters are influenced by the dietary supplementation of FFS in broiler Japanese quails.

78 FR 30249 - Revised Listings for Growth Disorders and Weight Loss in Children

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-22

... birth to attainment of age 2 under 105.08, the listing for malnutrition due to a digestive disorder.\\11... propose to revise the title of listing 105.08, under the digestive body system, to change Malnutrition due...., & Trowbridge, F. (1987). Malnutrition in the first two years of life: The contribution of low birth weight to...

Traffic-Related Atmospheric Pollutants Levels during Pregnancy and Offspring’s Term Birth Weight: A Study Relying on a Land-Use Regression Exposure Model

PubMed Central

Slama, Rémy; Morgenstern, Verena; Cyrys, Josef; Zutavern, Anne; Herbarth, Olf; Wichmann, Heinz-Erich; Heinrich, Joachim

2007-01-01

Background Some studies have suggested that particulate matter (PM) levels during pregnancy may be associated with birth weight. Road traffic is a major source of fine PM (PM with aero-dynamic diameter < 2.5 μm; PM2.5). Objective We determined to characterize the influence of maternal exposure to atmospheric pollutants due to road traffic and urban activities on offspring term birth weight. Methods Women from a birth cohort [the LISA (Influences of Lifestyle Related Factors on the Human Immune System and Development of Allergies in Children) cohort] who delivered a non-premature baby with a birth weight > 2,500 g in Munich metropolitan area were included. We assessed PM2.5, PM2.5 absorbance (which depends on the blackness of PM2.5, a marker of traffic-related air pollution), and nitrogen dioxide levels using a land-use regression model, taking into account the type and length of roads, population density, land coverage around the home address, and temporal variations in pollution during pregnancy. Using Poisson regression, we estimated prevalence ratios (PR) of birth weight < 3,000 g, adjusted for gestational duration, sex, maternal smoking, height, weight, and education. Results Exposure was defined for 1,016 births. Taking the lowest quartile of exposure during pregnancy as a reference, the PR of birth weight < 3,000 g associated with the highest quartile was 1.7 for PM2.5 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2–2.7], 1.8 for PM2.5 absorbance (95% CI, 1.1–2.7), and 1.2 for NO2 (95% CI, 0.7–1.7). The PR associated with an increase of 1 μg/m3 in PM2.5 levels was 1.13 (95% CI, 1.00–1.29). Conclusion Increases in PM2.5 levels and PM2.5 absorbance were associated with decreases in term birth weight. Traffic-related air pollutants may have adverse effects on birth weight. PMID:17805417

The impact of weight loss on the 24-h profile of circulating peptide YY and its association with 24-h ghrelin in normal weight premenopausal women.

PubMed

Hill, Brenna R; De Souza, Mary Jane; Wagstaff, David A; Williams, Nancy I

2013-11-01

Peptide YY (PYY) and ghrelin exhibit a reciprocal association and antagonistic physiological effects in the peripheral circulation. Research has yet to clarify the effect of weight loss on the 24h profile of PYY or its association to 24h ghrelin. We sought to determine if diet- and exercise-induced weight loss affects the 24h profile of PYY and its association with 24h ghrelin in normal weight, premenopausal women. Participants (n = 13) were assessed at baseline (BL) and after a 3-month diet and exercise intervention (post). Blood samples obtained q10 min for 24h were assayed for total PYY and total ghrelin q60 min from 0800 to 1000 h and 2000 to 0800 h and q20 min from 1000 to 2000 h. The ghrelin/PYY ratio was used as an index of hormonal exposure. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and linear mixed effects modeling. Body weight (-1.85 ± 0.67 kg; p = 0.02), and body fat (-2.53 ± 0.83%; p = 0.01) decreased from BL to post. Ghrelin AUC (5252 ± 2177 pg/ml/24h; p=0.03), 24h mean (216 ± 90 pg/ml; p = 0.03) and peak (300 ± 134 pg/ml; p = 0.047) increased from BL to post. No change occurred in PYY AUC (88.2 ± 163.7 pg/ml; p = 0.60), 24h mean (4.8 ± 6.9 pg/ml; p = 0.50) or peak (3.6 ± 6.4 pg/ml; p = 0.58). The 24h association between PYY and ghrelin at baseline (p = 0.04) was weakened at post (p = 0.14); however, the ghrelin/PYY lunch ratio increased (p = 0.01) indicating the potential for ghrelin predominance over PYY in the circulation. PYY and ghrelin are reciprocally associated during a period of weight stability, but not following weight loss. An "uncoupling" may have occurred, particularly at lunch, due to factors that modulate ghrelin in response to weight loss. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Highly-Damped Spectral Acceleration as a Ground Motion Intensity Measure for Estimating Collapse Vulnerability of Buildings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buyco, K.; Heaton, T. H.

2016-12-01

Current U.S. seismic code and performance-based design recommendations quantify ground motion intensity using 5%-damped spectral acceleration when estimating the collapse vulnerability of buildings. This intensity measure works well for predicting inter-story drift due to moderate shaking, but other measures have been shown to be better for estimating collapse risk.We propose using highly-damped (>10%) spectral acceleration to assess collapse vulnerability. As damping is increased, the spectral acceleration at a given period T begins to behave like a weighted average of the corresponding lowly-damped (i.e. 5%) spectrum at a range of periods. Weights for periods longer than T increase as damping increases. Using high damping is physically intuitive for two reasons. Firstly, ductile buildings dissipate a large amount of hysteretic energy before collapse and thus behave more like highly-damped systems. Secondly, heavily damaged buildings experience period-lengthening, giving further credence to the weighted-averaging property of highly-damped spectral acceleration.To determine the optimal damping value(s) for this ground motion intensity measure, we conduct incremental dynamic analysis for a suite of ground motions on several different mid-rise steel buildings and select the damping value yielding the lowest dispersion of intensity at the collapse threshold. Spectral acceleration calculated with damping as high as 70% has been shown to be a better indicator of collapse than that with 5% damping.

Osmotic effects of polyethylene glycol.

PubMed

Schiller, L R; Emmett, M; Santa Ana, C A; Fordtran, J S

1988-04-01

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been used to increase the osmotic pressure of fluids used to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract. However, little is known about its osmotic activity. To investigate this activity systematically, solutions of PEG of differing molecular weights were made and subjected to measurement of osmolality by both freezing point depression and vapor pressure osmometry. Measured osmolality was increasingly greater than predicted from average molecular weight as PEG concentration increased. Measurement of sodium activity in NaCl/PEG solutions by means of an ion-selective electrode suggested that the higher than expected osmolality could be due in part to interactions that, in effect, sequestered water from the solution. Osmolality was consistently greater by freezing point osmometry than by vapor pressure osmometry. To determine which osmometry method reflected biologically relevant osmolality, normal subjects underwent steady-state total gut perfusion with an electrolyte solution containing 105 g/L of PEG 3350. This produced rectal effluent that was hypertonic by freezing point osmometry but isotonic by vapor pressure osmometry. Assuming that luminal fluid reaches osmotic equilibrium with plasma during total gut perfusion, this result suggests that the vapor pressure osmometer accurately reflects the biologically relevant osmolality of intestinal contents. We conclude that PEG exerts more of an osmotic effect than would be predicted from its molecular weight. This phenomenon may reflect interactions between PEG and water molecules that alter the physical chemistry of the solution and sequester water from the solution.

Effects of Greenselect Phytosome® on weight maintenance after weight loss in obese women: a randomized placebo-controlled study.

PubMed

Gilardini, Luisa; Pasqualinotto, Lucia; Di Pierro, Francesco; Risso, Paolo; Invitti, Cecilia

2016-07-22

Most subjects regain weight after weight loss due to compensatory adaptations finalized to maintain stable body energy stores. Green tea (GT) preparations, which help maintain energy expenditure while dieting could be a useful strategy to facilitate weight maintenance. The usefulness of GT preparations in weight maintenance has been poorly studied so far with conflicting results. This study evaluated if a supplement of GSP and piperine helps obese women to maintain the weight loss obtained with a 3-month lifestyle intervention. In a randomized placebo-controlled study, we examined whether a highly bioavailable GT extract may counteract weight regain after weight loss. Forty obese women (age 50.1 ± 10.1 years, Body Mass Index (BMI) 36.3 ± 2.7 kg/m(2)) underwent a 3-month lifestyle intervention. At the end of the intervention, the women were randomized in two groups for the weight-maintenance phase: 20 of them were prescribed twice a day, for 3 months, with a formula containing 150 mg/dose of Greenselect Phytosome® and 15 mg/dose of pure piperine (GSP group), and 20 were given placebo (P group). Anthropometric measures and body composition were measured before (V-3) and after lifestyle intervention (V0), 1 (V1), 2 (V2), and 3 (V3) months after prescribing supplements and 3 months following the discontinuation of supplements (V6). Lifestyle intervention induced a significant weight reduction in both groups with similar weight change (-6.2 ± 2.6 in GSP group vs. -4.8 ± 3.1 % in P group). In the GSP group, V1 in comparison to V0, had further reduction in weight and fat mass, which remained stable at V2 and V3 and increased at V6. In the P group, weight and fat mass increased from V2 onwards. Weight changes in GSP group and P group from V0 to V3 were -1.0 kg (95 % CI -2.5 to +0.5) and + 0.3 kg (95 % CI -0.9 to +1.6), respectively. The proportion of women with weight loss ≥ 5 % was greater in the GSP group than in the P group (75 % vs. 45 % at V1, and 60 % vs. 30 % at V6, p < 0.05 for both groups). Greenselect Phytosome® devoid of caffeine may have a clinical potential for the maintenance of weight after intentional weight loss. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02542449 (September 2015).

Characterization of fat metabolism in the fatty liver caused by a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet: A study under equal energy conditions.

PubMed

Kurosaka, Yuka; Shiroya, Yoko; Yamauchi, Hideki; Kitamura, Hiromi; Minato, Kumiko

2017-05-20

The pathology of fatty liver due to increased percentage of calories derived from fat without increased overall caloric intake is largely unclear. In this study, we aimed to characterize fat metabolism in rats with fatty liver resulting from consumption of a high-fat, low-carbohydrate (HFLC) diet without increased caloric intake. Four-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the control (Con) and HFLC groups, and rats were fed the corresponding diets ad libitum. Significant decreases in food intake per gram body weight were observed in the HFLC group compared with that in the Con group. Thus, there were no significant differences in body weights or caloric intake per gram body weight between the two groups. Marked progressive fat accumulation was observed in the livers of rats in the HFLC group, accompanied by suppression of de novo lipogenesis (DNL)-related proteins in the liver and increased leptin concentrations in the blood. In addition, electron microscopic observations revealed that many lipid droplets had accumulated within the hepatocytes, and mitochondrial numbers were reduced in the hepatocytes of rats in the HFLC group. Our findings confirmed that consumption of the HFLC diet induced fatty liver, even without increased caloric intake. Furthermore, DNL was not likely to be a crucial factor inducing fatty liver with standard energy intake. Instead, ultrastructural abnormalities found in mitochondria, which may cause a decline in β-oxidation, could contribute to the development of fatty liver. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A growth analysis of waterlogging damage in mung bean (Phaseolus aureus)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Musgrave, M. E.; Vanhoy, M. A.

1989-01-01

Mung beans (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.) were grown for 2 weeks in gravel-vermiculite soilless mix in a growth chamber and subjected to a 1-week waterlogging period followed by a 1-week recovery period. Sequential harvests were made to determine the time course of effects of waterlogging and subsequent recovery on growth parameters by techniques of growth analysis. Root dry matter was the first to be affected, along with an increase in leaf dry matter and specific leaf weight. After a 1-week waterlogging period, specific leaf weight had more than doubled in the stressed plants. Leaf area declined in relation to the control plants as did the ratio of root dry matter to shoot dry matter. During the recovery period there was an increase in the dry matter allocation to the roots relative to the shoot. Specific leaf weight fell to control levels although the rate of leaf area elaboration did not increase during this time, suggesting a redistribution of stored assimilates from the leaves. Net assimilation rate increased during the waterlogging period, probably due to a restriction in root metabolism and reduced translocation out of the leaf rather than to an increase in photosynthesis. Net assimilation rate of waterlogged plants was severely reduced compared with control plants during the recovery period. Both relative growth rate and leaf area duration declined during the waterlogging period and declined further subsequent to the waterlogging treatment. The results illustrate the interrelationships between root and shoot carbon budgets in mung bean during response to the stress of waterlogging.

Body mass index and employment status: A new look.

PubMed

Kinge, Jonas Minet

2016-09-01

Earlier literature has usually modelled the impact of obesity on employment status as a binary choice (employed, yes/no). I provide new evidence on the impact of obesity on employment status by treating the dependent variable as a as a multinomial choice variable. Using data from a representative English survey, with measured height and weight on parents and children, I define employment status as one of four: working; looking for paid work; permanently not working due to disability; and, looking after home or family. I use a multinomial logit model controlling for a set of covariates. I also run instrumental variable models, instrumenting for Body Mass Index (BMI) based on genetic variation in weight. I find that BMI and obesity significantly increase the probability of "not working due to disability". The results for the other employment outcomes are less clear. My findings also indicate that BMI affects employment through its effect on health. Factors other than health may be less important in explaining the impact of BMI/obesity on employment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adolescent smoking, weight changes, and binge-purge behavior: associations with secondary amenorrhea.

PubMed Central

Johnson, J; Whitaker, A H

1992-01-01

BACKGROUND. The association of secondary amenorrhea with extreme forms of substance use, weight control, and exercise in nonrepresentative samples raises questions as to whether adolescents in the general population who engage in these behaviors are at increased risk for secondary amenorrhea. We examined the prevalence and behavioral correlates of secondary amenorrhea in a county-wide high school population of 2544 girls aged 13 to 18. METHODS. A survey questionnaire, which elicited menstrual history as well as weight history, weight control practices, level of exercise, and use of cigarettes, wine, and beer, was administered during school hours; absentees were also surveyed. The completion rate was 91%. RESULTS. The 1-year prevalence of secondary amenorrhea was 8.5%. Secondary amenorrhea was associated with smoking one or more packs of cigarettes per day (adjusted relative risk [RRa] = 1.96, 1.21-3.10), with multiple binge-eating behaviors in combination with laxative use or self-induced vomiting (RRa = 4.17, 2.54-6.32), and with weight fluctuation due to weight control (RRa = 2.59, 1.33-4.79). There was no association between amenorrhea and alcohol consumption or exercise level. CONCLUSIONS. Estimates of attributable risk are provided and indicate that bulimic behaviors and cigarette smoking may result in a considerable excess of cases of secondary amenorrhea in an adolescent population. PMID:1536334

Impact of Weight Loss Surgery on Esophageal Physiology

PubMed Central

Naik, Rishi D.; Choksi, Yash A.

2015-01-01

Bariatric surgery has come to the forefront of weight loss treatment due to its complex interactions via anatomic, physiologic, and neurohormonal changes leading to sustained weight loss. Unlike lifestyle and pharmacologic options, which fail to show long-term sustained weight loss, bariatric surgery has been shown to decrease overall mortality and morbidity. Bariatric surgery can be purely restrictive, such as laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), or restrictive-malabsorptive, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). These surgeries cause specific anatomic changes that promote weight loss; however, they also have unintended effects on the esophagus, particularly in terms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal motility. Via restrictive surgery, LAGB has been widely reported to cause significant weight loss, although studies have also shown an increase and worsening of GERD as well as elevated rates of esophageal dilation, aperistalsis, and alterations in lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Along with LAGB, LSG has shown not only a worsening of GERD, but also the formation of de novo GERD in patients who were asymptomatic before the operation. In a restrictive-malabsorptive approach, RYGB has been reported to improve GERD and preserve esophageal motility. Bariatric surgery is a burgeoning field with immense implications on overall mortality. Future randomized, controlled trials are needed to better understand which patients should undergo particular surgeries, with greater emphasis on esophageal health and prevention of GERD and esophageal dysmotility. PMID:27134597

THE INFLUENCE OF ENDOTOXIN ADMINISTRATION ON THE NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF MICE

PubMed Central

Dubos, René; Costello, Richard; Schaedler, Russell W.

1965-01-01

Albino mice lose weight within 24 hours following administration of bacterial endotoxin. The initial weight loss is proportional to the dose of endotoxin injected only when this dose is very small. The loss during the 1st day reaches a maximum with 10 to 30 µg of endotoxin; larger doses increase the duration of the overall effect. The rate at which mice regain weight after administration of endotoxin is markedly influenced by the composition of the diet. Recovery was rapid and complete within a few days when the animals were fed commercial pellets or a semisynthetic diet containing casein. In contrast, recovery was slow and incomplete when wheat gluten was used instead of casein in the diet. The deleterious effect of the gluten diet was less marked in older than in younger animals, probably because the latter have less exacting nutritional requirements. It was postulated that the failure of endotoxin-treated mice to regain weight when fed the gluten diet was due to the fact that this protein is low in certain amino acids. In fact, rapid and complete recovery from the weight loss uniformly occurred when the gluten diet was supplemented with proper amounts of lysine and threonine. The composition of the diet did not influence the extent of the initial loss of weight caused by endotoxin, nor did it prevent the animals from developing tolerance to this substance. PMID:5322368

Comparison among T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, modified dixon method, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy in measuring bone marrow fat.

PubMed

Shen, Wei; Gong, Xiuqun; Weiss, Jessica; Jin, Ye

2013-01-01

An increasing number of studies are utilizing different magnetic resonance (MR) methods to quantify bone marrow fat due to its potential role in osteoporosis. Our aim is to compare the measurements of bone marrow fat among T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), modified Dixon method (also called fat fraction MRI (FFMRI)), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Contiguous MRI scans were acquired in 27 Caucasian postmenopausal women with a modified Dixon method (i.e., FFMRI). Bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) of T1-weighted MRI and bone marrow fat fraction of the L3 vertebra and femoral necks were quantified using SliceOmatic and Matlab. MRS was also acquired at the L3 vertebra. Correlation among the three MR methods measured bone marrow fat fraction and BMAT ranges from 0.78 to 0.88 (P < 0.001) in the L3 vertebra. Correlation between BMAT measured by T1-weighted MRI and bone marrow fat fraction measured by modified FFMRI is 0.86 (P < 0.001) in femoral necks. There are good correlations among T1-weighted MRI, FFMRI, and MRS for bone marrow fat quantification. The inhomogeneous distribution of bone marrow fat, the threshold segmentation of the T1-weighted MRI, and the ambiguity of the FFMRI may partially explain the difference among the three methods.

Comparison among T1-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Modified Dixon Method, and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Measuring Bone Marrow Fat

PubMed Central

Shen, Wei; Gong, Xiuqun; Weiss, Jessica; Jin, Ye

2013-01-01

Introduction. An increasing number of studies are utilizing different magnetic resonance (MR) methods to quantify bone marrow fat due to its potential role in osteoporosis. Our aim is to compare the measurements of bone marrow fat among T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), modified Dixon method (also called fat fraction MRI (FFMRI)), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Methods. Contiguous MRI scans were acquired in 27 Caucasian postmenopausal women with a modified Dixon method (i.e., FFMRI). Bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) of T1-weighted MRI and bone marrow fat fraction of the L3 vertebra and femoral necks were quantified using SliceOmatic and Matlab. MRS was also acquired at the L3 vertebra. Results. Correlation among the three MR methods measured bone marrow fat fraction and BMAT ranges from 0.78 to 0.88 (P < 0.001) in the L3 vertebra. Correlation between BMAT measured by T1-weighted MRI and bone marrow fat fraction measured by modified FFMRI is 0.86 (P < 0.001) in femoral necks. Conclusion. There are good correlations among T1-weighted MRI, FFMRI, and MRS for bone marrow fat quantification. The inhomogeneous distribution of bone marrow fat, the threshold segmentation of the T1-weighted MRI, and the ambiguity of the FFMRI may partially explain the difference among the three methods. PMID:23606951

Increased Night Temperature Negatively Affects Grain Yield, Biomass and Grain Number in Chilean Quinoa

PubMed Central

Lesjak, Jurka; Calderini, Daniel F.

2017-01-01

Quinoa high nutritive value increases interest worldwide, especially as a crop that could potentially feature in different cropping systems, however, climate change, particularly rising temperatures, challenges this and other crop species. Currently, only limited knowledge exists regarding the grain yield and other key traits response to higher temperatures of this crop, especially to increased night temperatures. In this context, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increased night temperature on quinoa yield, grain number, individual grain weight and processes involved in crop growth under the environmental conditions (control treatment) and night thermal increase at two phases: flowering (T1) and grain filling (T2) in southern Chile. A commercial genotype, Regalona, and a quinoa accession (Cod. BO5, N°191, grain bank from Semillas Baer, hereby referred to as Accession) were used, due to their adaptability to Southern Chilean conditions and contrasting grain yield potential, grain weight and size of plants. Temperature was increased ≈4°C above the ambient from 8 pm until 9 am the next morning. Control treatments reached a high grain yield (600 and 397 g m-2, i.e., Regalona and Accession). Temperature increase reduced grain yield by 31% under T1 treatment and 12% when under T2 in Regalona and 23 and 26% in Accession, respectively. Aboveground biomass was negatively affected by the thermal treatments and a positive linear association was found between grain yield and aboveground biomass across treatments. By contrast, the harvest index was unaffected either by genotype, or by thermal treatments. Grain number was significantly affected between treatments and this key trait was linearly associated with grain yield. On the other hand, grain weight showed a narrow range of variation across treatments. Additionally, leaf area index was not affected, but significant differences were found in SPAD values at the end of T1 treatment, compared to control. Little change was found in the harvest index, individual grain weight, grain protein content or water soluble carbohydrates in response to the increased night temperature in this crop. PMID:28386266

Unpacking the psychological weight of weight stigma: A rejection-expectation pathway

PubMed Central

Blodorn, Alison; Major, Brenda; Hunger, Jeffrey; Miller, Carol

2015-01-01

The present research tested the hypothesis that the negative effects of weight stigma among higher body-weight individuals are mediated by expectations of social rejection. Women and men who varied in objective body-weight (body mass index; BMI) gave a speech describing why they would make a good date. Half believed that a potential dating partner would see a videotape of their speech (weight seen) and half believed that a potential dating partner would listen to an audiotape of their speech (weight unseen). Among women, but not men, higher body-weight predicted increased expectations of social rejection, decreased executive control resources, decreased self-esteem, increased self-conscious emotions and behavioral displays of self-consciousness when weight was seen but not when weight was unseen. As predicted, higher body-weight women reported increased expectations of social rejection when weight was seen (versus unseen), which in turn predicted decreased self-esteem, increased self-conscious emotions, and increased stress. In contrast, lower body-weight women reported decreased expectations of social rejection when weight was seen (versus unseen), which in turn predicted increased self-esteem, decreased self-conscious emotions, and decreased stress. Men’s responses were largely unaffected by body-weight or visibility, suggesting that a dating context may not be identity threatening for higher body-weight men. Overall, the present research illuminates a rejection-expectation pathway by which weight stigma undermines higher body-weight women’s health. PMID:26752792

Gamma irradiation to improve plant vigour, grain development, and yield attributes of wheat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Bhupinder; Datta, P. S.

2010-02-01

Utilizing low dose gamma radiation holds promise for physiological crop improvement. Seed treatment of low dose gamma radiation 0.01-0.10 kGy reduced plant height, improved plant vigour, flag leaf area, total and number of EBT. Gamma irradiation increased grain yield due to an increase in number of EBT and grain number while 1000 grain weight was negatively affected. Further uniformity in low dose radiation response in wheat in the field suggests that the affect is essentially at physiological than at genetic level and that role of growth hormones could be crucial.

Efficiency Analysis of Integrated Public Hospital Networks in Outpatient Internal Medicine.

PubMed

Ortíz-Barrios, Miguel Angel; Escorcia-Caballero, Juan P; Sánchez-Sánchez, Fabián; De Felice, Fabio; Petrillo, Antonella

2017-09-07

Healthcare systems are evolving towards a complex network of interconnected services due to the increasing costs and the increasing expectations for high service levels. It is evidenced in the literature the importance of implementing management techniques and sophisticated methods to improve the efficiency of healthcare systems, especially in emerging economies. This paper proposes an integrated collaboration model between two public hospitals to reach the reduction of weighted average lead time in outpatient internal medicine department. A strategic framework based on value stream mapping and collaborative practices has been developed in real case study settled in Colombia.

Estimated Number of Preterm Births and Low Birth Weight Children Born in the United States Due to Maternal Binge Drinking

PubMed Central

Truong, Khoa D; Reifsnider, Odette S; Mayorga, Maria E; Spitler, Hugh

2013-01-01

Objective To estimate the aggregate burden of maternal binge drinking on preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) across American sociodemographic groups in 2008. Methods A simulation model was developed to estimate the number of PTB and LBW cases due to maternal binge drinking. Data inputs for the model included number of births and rates of preterm and LBW from the National Center for Health Statistics; female population by childbearing age groups from the U.S. Census; increased relative risks of preterm and LBW deliveries due to maternal binge drinking extracted from the literature; and adjusted prevalence of binge drinking among pregnant women estimated in a multivariate logistic regression model using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. Results The most conservative estimates attributed maternal binge drinking to 8,701 (95% CI: 7,804–9,598) PTBs (1.75% of all PTBs) and 5,627 (95% CI 5,121–6,133) LBW deliveries in 2008, with 3,708 (95% CI: 3,375–4,041) cases of both PTB and LBW. The estimated rate of PTB due to maternal binge drinking was 1.57% among all PTBs to White women, 0.69% among Black women, 3.31% among Hispanic women, and 2.35% among other races. Compared to other age groups, women ages 40–44 had the highest adjusted binge drinking rate and highest PTB rate due to maternal binge drinking (4.33%). Conclusion Maternal binge drinking contributed significantly to PTB and LBW differentially across sociodemographic groups. PMID:22711260

Increased intake of energy-dense diet and negative energy balance in a mouse model of chronic psychosocial defeat.

PubMed

Coccurello, Roberto; Romano, Adele; Giacovazzo, Giacomo; Tempesta, Bianca; Fiore, Marco; Giudetti, Anna Maria; Marrocco, Ilaria; Altieri, Fabio; Moles, Anna; Gaetani, Silvana

2018-06-01

Chronic exposure to stress may represent a risk factor for developing metabolic and eating disorders, mostly driven by the overconsumption of easily accessible energy-dense palatable food, although the mechanisms involved remain still unclear. In this study, we used an ethologically oriented murine model of chronic stress caused by chronic psychosocial defeat (CPD) to investigate the effects of unrestricted access to a palatable high fat diet (HFD) on food intake, body weight, energy homeostasis, and expression of different brain neuropeptides. Our aim was to shed light on the mechanisms responsible for body weight and body composition changes due to chronic social stress. In our model of subordinate (defeated), mice (CPD) cohabitated in constant sensory contact with dominants, being forced to interact on daily basis, and were offered ad libitum access either to an HFD or to a control diet (CD). Control mice (of the same strain as CPD mice) were housed in pairs and left unstressed in their home cage (UN). In all these mice, we evaluated body weight, different adipose depots, energy metabolism, caloric intake, and neuropeptide expression. CPD mice increased the intake of HFD and reduced body weight in the presence of enhanced lipid oxidation. Resting energy expenditure and interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) were increased in CPD mice, whereas epididymal adipose tissue increased only in HFD-fed unstressed mice. Propiomelanocortin mRNA levels in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus increased only in HFD-fed unstressed mice. Oxytocin mRNA levels in the paraventricular nucleus and neuropeptide Y mRNA levels within the arcuate were increased only in CD-fed CPD mice. In the arcuate, CART was increased in HFD-fed UN mice and in CD-fed CPD mice, while HFD intake suppressed CART increase in defeated animals. In the basolateral amygdala, CART expression was increased only in CPD animals on HFD. CPD appears to uncouple the intake of HFD from energy homeostasis causing higher HFD intake, larger iBAT accumulation, increased energy expenditure and lipid oxidation, and lower body weight. Overall, the present study confirms the notion that the chronic activation of the stress response can be associated with metabolic disorders, altered energy homeostasis, and changes of orexigenic and anorexigenic signaling. These changes might be relevant to better understand the etiology of stress-induced obesity and eating disorders and might represent a valid therapeutic approach for the development of new therapies in this field.

Characterization of fat metabolism in the fatty liver caused by a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet: A study under equal energy conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kurosaka, Yuka; Shiroya, Yoko; Yamauchi, Hideki

The pathology of fatty liver due to increased percentage of calories derived from fat without increased overall caloric intake is largely unclear. In this study, we aimed to characterize fat metabolism in rats with fatty liver resulting from consumption of a high-fat, low-carbohydrate (HFLC) diet without increased caloric intake. Four-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the control (Con) and HFLC groups, and rats were fed the corresponding diets ad libitum. Significant decreases in food intake per gram body weight were observed in the HFLC group compared with that in the Con group. Thus, there were no significant differencesmore » in body weights or caloric intake per gram body weight between the two groups. Marked progressive fat accumulation was observed in the livers of rats in the HFLC group, accompanied by suppression of de novo lipogenesis (DNL)-related proteins in the liver and increased leptin concentrations in the blood. In addition, electron microscopic observations revealed that many lipid droplets had accumulated within the hepatocytes, and mitochondrial numbers were reduced in the hepatocytes of rats in the HFLC group. Our findings confirmed that consumption of the HFLC diet induced fatty liver, even without increased caloric intake. Furthermore, DNL was not likely to be a crucial factor inducing fatty liver with standard energy intake. Instead, ultrastructural abnormalities found in mitochondria, which may cause a decline in β-oxidation, could contribute to the development of fatty liver. - Highlights: • The high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet did not affect body weight or caloric intake. • The high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet caused fatty liver in rats. • De novo lipogenesis was not a crucial factor in fatty liver. • Mitochondria were altered in fatty livers of rats consuming this diet.« less

Effects of different sources of fructans on body weight, blood metabolites and fecal bacteria in normal and obese non-diabetic and diabetic rats.

PubMed

Rendón-Huerta, Juan A; Juárez-Flores, Bertha; Pinos-Rodríguez, Juan M; Aguirre-Rivera, J Rogelio; Delgado-Portales, Rosa E

2012-03-01

Fructans contribute significantly to dietary fiber with beneficial effects on gastrointestinal physiology in healthy individuals and offer a promising approach to treating some diseases. Two experiments (Experiment 1 = rats with normal weight; Experiment 2 = obese rats) were developed to compare the effects of three fructan sources (Cichorium intybus L. Asteraceae, Helianthus tuberosus L. Asteraceae and Agave angustifolia ssp. tequilana Haw, Agavaceae) on body weight change, blood metabolites and fecal bacteria in non-diabetic (ND) and diabetic (D) rats. In Experiment 1 total body weight gain and daily feed intake in D and ND rats decreased (P < 0.05) with supplements of fructan. Only in D rats, blood glucose concentrations, fecal Clostrodium spp. counts, and liver steatosis decreased, while blood HDL concentrations and fecal Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. counts increased due to fructans. In Experiment 2, total body weight gain and feed intake in ND and D rats were also decreased by fructans. In ND rats, fructan decreased blood glucose concentrations. In D rats, fructans from A. angustifolia ssp. tequilana decreased blood cholesterol and LDL and liver steatosis. For both ND and D rats, fecal Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. counts were higher (P < 0.05) with fructan supplements.

Growth and regeneration in cultivated fragments of the boreal deep water sponge Geodia barretti Bowerbank, 1858 (Geodiidae, Tetractinellida, Demospongiae).

PubMed

Hoffmann, Friederike; Rapp, Hans Tore; Zöller, Tobias; Reitner, Joachim

2003-01-23

A cultivation method has been developed for the boreal deep-water sponge Geodia barretti (Demospongiae, Geodiidae), a species which is common in the deep Norwegian fjords. The species is known to contain secondary metabolites which are biologically active. Choanosomal fragments of 2-4 cm(3) (approximately 3-7 g) were kept in half-open systems. Cicatrisation and regeneration processes were surveyed by histological examination during 8 months of cultivation. During the first weeks, the weight of the fragments decreased. However, after about 6 weeks the weight equalled the original weight, and after 1 year the weight had increased by about 40% compared to the original weight. The initial decrease was due to complex healing processes and the regeneration of the cortex, a sterrastral layer typical for the family of the Geodiidae. We document, for the first time, the complete cortex reconstruction in an adult G. barretti, as well as the development of egg cells during cultivation. Our study represents the first attempt at biotechnological production of boreal sponge tissue. For successful farming of G. barretti and other boreal and arctic sponges, however, further investigation is needed on factors stimulating growth and secondary metabolite production in the target species.

Transgenic rescue of adipocyte glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor expression restores high fat diet-induced body weight gain.

PubMed

Ugleholdt, Randi; Pedersen, Jens; Bassi, Maria Rosaria; Füchtbauer, Ernst-Martin; Jørgensen, Signe Marie; Kissow, Hanne-Louise; Nytofte, Nikolaj; Poulsen, Steen Seier; Rosenkilde, Mette Marie; Seino, Yutaka; Thams, Peter; Holst, Peter Johannes; Holst, Jens Juul

2011-12-30

The glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPr) has been implicated in high fat diet-induced obesity and is proposed as an anti-obesity target despite an uncertainty regarding the mechanism of action. To independently investigate the contribution of the insulinotropic effects and the direct effects on adipose tissue, we generated transgenic mice with targeted expression of the human GIPr to white adipose tissue or beta-cells, respectively. These mice were then cross-bred with the GIPr knock-out strain. The central findings of the study are that mice with GIPr expression targeted to adipose tissue have a similar high fat diet -induced body weight gain as control mice, significantly greater than the weight gain in mice with a general ablation of the receptor. Surprisingly, this difference was due to an increase in total lean body mass rather than a gain in total fat mass that was similar between the groups. In contrast, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide-mediated insulin secretion does not seem to be important for regulation of body weight after high fat feeding. The study supports a role of the adipocyte GIPr in nutrient-dependent regulation of body weight and lean mass, but it does not support a direct and independent role for the adipocyte or beta-cell GIPr in promoting adipogenesis.

Lipid mobilising factors specifically associated with cancer cachexia.

PubMed Central

Beck, S. A.; Tisdale, M. J.

1991-01-01

Both urine and plasma from mice and humans with cancer cachexia have been shown to contain higher levels of lipid mobilising activity than normal controls, even after acute starvation. There was no significant increase in the urinary lipid mobilising activity of either mice or humans after acute starvation, suggesting that the material in the cachectic situation was probably not due to an elevation of hormones normally associated with the catabolic state in starvation. Further characterisation of the lipid mobilising activity in the urine of cachectic mice using Sephadex G50 exclusion chromatography showed four distinct peaks of activity of apparent molecular weights of greater than 20, 3, 1.5 and less than 0.7 kDa. No comparable peaks of activity were found in the urine of a non tumour-bearing mouse. The high molecular weight activity was probably formed by aggregation of low molecular weight material, since treatment with 0.5 M NaCl caused dissociation to material with a broad spectrum of molecular weights between 3 and 0.7 kDa. Lipolytic species of similar molecular weights were also found in the urine of cachectic cancer patients, but not in normal urine even after 24 h starvation. The lipid mobilising species may be responsible for catabolism of host adipose tissue in the cachectic state. PMID:2069843

Monitoring hydration status pre- and post-training among university athletes using urine color and weight loss indicators.

PubMed

Webb, Marquitta C; Salandy, Sinead T; Beckford, Safiya E

2016-01-01

To investigate the hydration status pre- and post-training among university athletes using urine color and weight loss as indicators. Participants were 52 university athletes training for campus games in a developing country. Pre- and post-training urine specimens were compared with a standard urine color scale. Paired t tests were used to compare urine color and difference in body mass pre- and post-training. The mean age of the athletes was 22.87 ± 3.21. A statistically significance difference (p < .01) was observed between pre- (4.31 ± 1.75) and post- (5.67 ± 1.45) training urine color values for males. Hydration status and weight post-training were statistically significantly different both at the level of p < .01. The results suggest that there is a link between urine color and body mass difference among the student athletes tested. Exercise increases hypohydration due to fluid losses, and therefore attention should be given to fluid supplementation and individualization of fluid intake for each athlete.

Magnetic resonance imaging of degeneration of uterine adenomyosis during pregnancy and post-partum period.

PubMed

Hirashima, Hiroto; Ohkuchi, Akihide; Usui, Rie; Kijima, Shigeyoshi; Matsubara, Shigeki

2018-03-08

Degeneration of adenomyosis during pregnancy and the post-partum period is very rare. A 42-year-old Japanese parous woman with four normal-term deliveries, who presented with abdominal pain and fever at 22 weeks of gestation with transient increases of the white blood cell count and C-reactive protein, demonstrated sustained inflammation after cesarean section at 29 weeks of gestation due to the occurrence of gestational hypertension with late deceleration. The noncontrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 22 weeks demonstrated a poorly demarcated hypointense area at the posterior uterine wall on T1- and T2-weighted imaging. The 2nd MRI 2 weeks after the cesarean section showed hypointensity on a T1-weighted image and hyperintensity on a T2-weighted image, allowing confirmation of the diagnosis of degeneration of adenomyosis. Repeated MRIs were clinically useful to diagnose the degeneration of adenomyosis. © 2018 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Progress on Developing Sonic Infrared Imaging for Defect Detection in Composite Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Xiaoyan; He, Qi; Li, Wei; Newaz, Golam; Favro, Lawrence D.; Thomas, Robert L.

2010-02-01

At last year's QNDE conference, we presented our development of Sonic IR imaging technology in metal structures, with results from both experimental studies and theoretical computing. In the latest aircraft designs, such as the B787 from Boeing, composites have become the major materials in structures such as the fuselage and wings. This is in contrast to composites' use only in auxiliary components such as flaps and spoilers in the past. With today's advanced technology of fabrication, it is expected the new materials can be put in use in even more aircraft structures due to its light weight and high strength (high strength-to-weight ratio), high specific stiffness, tailorability of properties, design flexibility etc. Especially, with increases in fuel cost, reducing the aircraft's body weight becomes more and more appealing. In this presentation, we describe the progress on our development of Sonic IR imaging for aircraft composite structures. In particular, we describe the some unexpected results discovered while modeling delaminations. These results were later experimentally verified with an engineered delamination.

Establishing the overall service quality of engineering education: fuzzy logic approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shekhar, N. Chandra; Venkatasubbaiah, K.; Kandukuria, N. R.

2012-12-01

Measuring overall service quality (OSQ) is gaining prominence in higher education due to the increased competition among engineering education institutions (EEIs) and growing awareness about value for money among the public. Determination of OSQ on certain institutional aspects is done by various agencies throughout the world. Each system uses a different set of weighted indicators to measure the overall service quality of institutions. Five service quality factors, namely professionalism, integrated education, facilities, responsiveness and empathy are considered in the study. Trapezoidal fuzzy numbers are used to determine the aggregate weights of the factors to handle the vagueness present in the linguistic values of the stakeholders' subjective opinions. Final weights of the factors are assessed by taking the distances of each factor between Fuzzy Positive Ideal Rating and Fuzzy Negative Ideal Rating. An illustrative study is presented to determine the OSQ of EEIs. The results help to focus on the factors which need immediate attention to enhance the quality of EEIs.

Enhanced leptin sensitivity and improved glucose homeostasis in mice lacking suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 in POMC-expressing cells.

PubMed

Kievit, Paul; Howard, Jane K; Badman, Michael K; Balthasar, Nina; Coppari, Roberto; Mori, Hiroyuki; Lee, Charlotte E; Elmquist, Joel K; Yoshimura, Akihiko; Flier, Jeffrey S

2006-08-01

Suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (Socs-3) negatively regulates the action of various cytokines, as well as the metabolic hormones leptin and insulin. Mice with haploinsufficiency of Socs-3, or those with neuronal deletion of Socs-3, are lean and more leptin and insulin sensitive. To examine the role of Socs-3 within specific neurons critical to energy balance, we created mice with selective deletion of Socs-3 within pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-expressing cells. These mice had enhanced leptin sensitivity, measured by weight loss and food intake after leptin infusion. On chow diet, glucose homeostasis was improved despite normal weight gain. On a high-fat diet, the rate of weight gain was reduced, due to increased energy expenditure rather than decreased food intake; glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity were substantially improved. These studies demonstrate that Socs-3 within POMC neurons regulates leptin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis, and plays a key role in linking high-fat diet to disordered metabolism.

Collagen and hyaluronic acid hydrogel in water-in-oil microemulsion delivery systems.

PubMed

Kupper, Sylwia; Kłosowska-Chomiczewska, Ilona; Szumała, Patrycja

2017-11-01

The increase in skin related health issues has promoted interest in research on the efficacy of microemulsion in dermal and transdermal delivery of active ingredients. Here, we assessed the water-in-oil microemulsion capacity to incorporate two natural polymers, i.e. collagen and hyaluronic acid with low and high molecular weight. Systems were extensively characterized in terms of conductivity, phase inversion studies, droplet diameter, polydispersity index and rheological properties. The results of this research indicate that the structure and extent of water phase in microemulsions is governed by ratio and amount of surfactant mixture (sorbitan ester derivatives). However, results have also shown that collagen, depending upon the weight of the molecule and its surface activity, influence the droplet size of the microemulsions. While the hyaluronic acid, especially with high molecular weight, due to the water-binding ability and hydrogel formation alters the rheological properties of the microemulsion, thus providing viscous consistency of the formulation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Two step continuous method to synthesize colloidal spheroid gold nanorods.

PubMed

Chandra, S; Doran, J; McCormack, S J

2015-12-01

This research investigated a two-step continuous process to synthesize colloidal suspension of spheroid gold nanorods. In the first step; gold precursor was reduced to seed-like particles in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone and ascorbic acid. In continuous second step; silver nitrate and alkaline sodium hydroxide produced various shape and size Au nanoparticles. The shape was manipulated through weight ratio of ascorbic acid to silver nitrate by varying silver nitrate concentration. The specific weight ratio of 1.35-1.75 grew spheroid gold nanorods of aspect ratio ∼1.85 to ∼2.2. Lower weight ratio of 0.5-1.1 formed spherical nanoparticle. The alkaline medium increased the yield of gold nanorods and reduced reaction time at room temperature. The synthesized gold nanorods retained their shape and size in ethanol. The surface plasmon resonance was red shifted by ∼5 nm due to higher refractive index of ethanol than water. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of immobilization on rat hind limb muscles under non-weight-bearing conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaspers, Stephen R.; Fagan, Julie M.; Satarug, Soisungwan; Cook, Paul H.; Tischler, Marc E.

1988-01-01

The effect of stretched and unstretched immobilization of a hind limb on the concentration and the metabolism of proteins in the hind-limb muscles of rats was investigated. The animals were divided into three groups: (1) weight-bearing controls, (2) tail-cast-suspended, and (3) suspended, with one hind limb immobilized with the ankle in dorsiflexion (30-40 deg angle) and the other freely moving. It was found that unloading the hind limbs for 6 days by tail cast suspension caused soleus to atrophy and reduced growth of the gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles; unloading resulted in a higher degradation rate and lower synthesis rate in both in vitro and in vivo. Chronic stretch of the unloaded soleus not only prevented its atrophy but led to significant hypertrophy, relative to weight-bearing controls, with increases in both the sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein fractions. Immobilizing one ankle in dorsiflexion prevented the inhibition of growth in the plantaris and gastrocnemius muscles due to unloading.

The Physiology and Molecular Underpinnings of the Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Obesity and Diabetes.

PubMed

Evers, Simon S; Sandoval, Darleen A; Seeley, Randy J

2017-02-10

Bariatric surgeries, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy, produce significant and durable weight loss in both humans and rodents. Recently, these surgical interventions have also been termed metabolic surgery because they result in profound metabolic improvements that often surpass the expected improvement due to body weight loss alone. In this review we focus on the weight-loss independent effects of bariatric surgery, which encompass energy expenditure and macronutrient preference, the luminal composition of the gut (i.e., the microbiota and bile acids), the transformation of the gastrointestinal lining, increases in postprandial gut hormone secretions, glycemic control, pancreas morphology, and micronutrient and mineral absorption. Taken together, these data point to several important physiological changes that contribute to the profound benefits of these surgical procedures. Identifying the underlying molecular mechanisms for these physiological effects will allow better utilization of these existing procedures to help patients and develop new treatments that harness these surgical effects with less invasive interventions.

Mental health starts with physical health: current status and future directions of non-pharmacological interventions to improve physical health in first-episode psychosis.

PubMed

Gates, Jesse; Killackey, Eóin; Phillips, Lisa; Álvarez-Jiménez, Mario

2015-08-01

People with psychotic disorders have reduced life expectancy compared with the general population. This difference is primarily due to increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease associated with antipsychotic drugs and with modifiable risk factors, including weight gain, low exercise, poor diet, and high prevalence of cigarette smoking. We review non-pharmacological interventions for physical health behaviour in patients with chronic and first-episode psychosis. Our findings suggest that weight loss and attenuation of weight gain are achievable but limited and might not persist beyond the end of an intervention. Evidence for smoking cessation interventions is scarce. The case for early intervention to prevent deterioration of physical health is strong. We propose a framework for development of interventions, which addresses three main factors largely absent in previous research: (1) examination of aetiological factors related to poor physical health, (2) theory-driven interventions that target aetiological factors, and (3) assessment of feasibility. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Weight loss after head and neck cancer: A dynamic relationship with depressive symptoms

PubMed Central

Van Liew, Julia R.; Brock, Rebecca L.; Christensen, Alan J.; Karnell, Lucy Hynds; Pagedar, Nitin A.; Funk, Gerry F.

2018-01-01

Background Weight loss (WL) and depressive symptoms are critical head and neck cancer (HNC) outcomes, yet their relation over the illness course is unclear. Methods Associations between self-reported depressive symptoms and objective WL across the year following HNC diagnosis were examined using growth curve modeling techniques (N=564). Results A reciprocal covariation pattern emerged—changes in depressive symptoms over time were associated with same-month changes in WL, t (1148) = 2.05, p = .041, and changes in WL were associated with same-month changes in depressive symptoms, t (556) = 2.43, p = .015. To the extent that depressive symptoms increased, patients lost incrementally more weight than was lost due to the passage of time, and vice versa. Results also suggested that pain and eating-related quality of life might explain the reciprocal association between depressive symptoms and WL. Conclusions In HNC, a transactional interplay between depressive symptoms and WL unfolds over time. PMID:27704695

Phase behaviour of oat β-glucan/sodium caseinate mixtures varying in molecular weight.

PubMed

Agbenorhevi, Jacob K; Kontogiorgos, Vassilis; Kasapis, Stefan

2013-05-01

The isothermal phase behaviour at 5 °C of mixtures of sodium caseinate and oat β-glucan isolates varying in molecular weight (MW) was investigated by means of phase diagram construction, rheometry, fluorescence microscopy and electrophoresis. Phase diagrams indicated that the compatibility of the β-glucan/sodium caseinate system increases as β-glucan MW decreases. Images of mixtures taken at various biopolymer concentrations revealed phase separated domains. Results also revealed that at the state of thermodynamic equilibrium, lower MW samples yielded considerable viscosity in the mixture. At equivalent hydrodynamic volume of β-glucan in the mixtures, samples varying in molecular weight exhibited similar flow behaviour. A deviation dependent on the protein concentration was observed for the high MW sample in the concentrated regime due to the size of β-glucan aggregates formed. Results demonstrate that by controlling the structural features of β-glucan in mixtures with sodium caseinate, informed manipulation of rheological properties in these systems can be achieved. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Imaging gene and environmental effects on cerebellum in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and typical development☆

PubMed Central

de Zeeuw, Patrick; van Belle, Janna; van Dijk, Sarai; Weusten, Juliette; Koeleman, Bobby; Janson, Esther; van Engeland, Herman; Durston, Sarah

2012-01-01

This study investigates the effects of XKR4, a recently identified candidate gene for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), birth weight, and their interaction on brain volume in ADHD. XKR4 is expressed in cerebellum and low birth weight has been associated both with changes in cerebellum and with ADHD, probably due to its relation with prenatal adversity. Anatomical MRI scans were acquired in 58 children with ADHD and 64 typically developing controls and processed to obtain volumes of cerebrum, cerebellum and gray and white matter in each structure. DNA was collected from saliva. Analyses including data on birth weight were conducted in a subset of 37 children with ADHD and 51 controls where these data were retrospectively collected using questionnaires. There was an interaction between genotype and birth weight for cerebellum gray matter volume (p = .020). The combination of homozygosity for the G-allele (the allele previously found to be overtransmitted in ADHD) and higher birth weight was associated with smaller volume. Furthermore, birth weight was positively associated with cerebellar white matter volume in controls, but not ADHD (interaction: p = .021). The interaction of genotype with birth weight affecting cerebellum gray matter is consistent with models that emphasize increased influence of genetic risk-factors in an otherwise favorable prenatal environment. The absence of an association between birth weight and cerebellum white matter volume in ADHD suggests that other genetic or environmental effects may be at play, unrelated to XKR4. These results underscore the importance of considering environmental effects in imaging genetics studies. PMID:24179763

Patterns of Weight Control Behavior among 15 year old Girls

PubMed Central

Balantekin, Katherine N.; Birch, Leann L.; Savage, Jennifer S.

2015-01-01

Objective The objectives were to identify and predict patterns of weight control behavior in 15 year old (yo) girls and to examine weight control group differences in energy intake. Method Subjects included 166 girls assessed every 2 years (ys) from age 5 to 15. Latent class analysis was used to identify patterns of weight control behaviors. Antecedent variables (e.g. inhibitory control at 7ys), and concurrent variables (e.g. BMI and dietary intake at 15ys) were included as predictors. Assessments were a combination of survey, interview, and laboratory measures. Results LCA identified four classes of weight control behaviors, Non-dieters (26%), and three dieting groups: Lifestyle (16%), Dieters (43%), and Extreme Dieters (17%). Levels of restraint, weight concerns, and dieting frequency increased across groups, from Non-dieters to Extreme Dieters. BMI at 5ys and inhibitory control at 7ys predicted weight control group at 15ys; e.g. with every one-point decrease in inhibitory control, girls were twice as likely to be Extreme Dieters than Non-dieters. Girls in the Extreme Dieters group were mostly classified as under-reporters, and had the lowest self-reported intake, but ate significantly more in the laboratory. Discussion Among 15yo girls, “dieting” includes a range of both healthy and unhealthy behaviors. Risk factors for membership in a weight control groups are present as early as 5ys. Patterns of intake in the laboratory support the view that lower reported energy intake by Extreme Dieters is likely due under-reporting as an intent to decrease intake, not actual decreased intake. PMID:26284953

Isotope-abundance variations and atomic weights of selected elements: 2016 (IUPAC Technical Report)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Coplen, Tyler B.; Shrestha, Yesha

2016-01-01

There are 63 chemical elements that have two or more isotopes that are used to determine their standard atomic weights. The isotopic abundances and atomic weights of these elements can vary in normal materials due to physical and chemical fractionation processes (not due to radioactive decay). These variations are well known for 12 elements (hydrogen, lithium, boron, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, magnesium, silicon, sulfur, chlorine, bromine, and thallium), and the standard atomic weight of each of these elements is given by IUPAC as an interval with lower and upper bounds. Graphical plots of selected materials and compounds of each of these elements have been published previously. Herein and at the URL http://dx.doi.org/10.5066/F7GF0RN2, we provide isotopic abundances, isotope-delta values, and atomic weights for each of the upper and lower bounds of these materials and compounds.

New weight-handling device for commercial oil pressure balances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woo, S. Y.; Choi, I. M.; Kim, B. S.

2005-12-01

This paper presents a new device to automatically handle a large number of weights for the calibration of a pressure gauge. This newly invented weight-handling device is made for use in conjunction with a commercial oil pressure balance. Although the pressure balance is essential as a calibration tool, its use has been generally tedious and labour intensive for a long time. In particular, the process of loading a different combination of weights on the top of a piston requires repetitious manual handling for every new measurement. This inevitably leaves the operator fatigued, and sometimes causes damage to the weights due to careless handling. The newly invented automatic weight-handling device can eliminate such tedious, error-prone and wear-inducing manual weight manipulation. The device consists of a stepping motor, a drive belt, a solenoid valve, three weight-lifting assemblies and three linear-motion guide assemblies. The weight-lifting assembly is composed of a pneumatic actuator, a solid-state switch and a metal finger. It has many advantages compared with the commercial automatic weight-handling device. Firstly, it is not necessary to lift all the weights off the piston in the weight selection process, as it is in the case of the commercial device. Thus it can prevent a permanent deformation of the weight carrier. Secondly, this new device can handle a larger number of weights than the commercial one. This is because the new device adopts a different method in retaining the remaining weights in place. Another advantage of this new device is that there is no possibility of the fingers touching the surface of the weights due to the oscillation of weights. Moreover it uses the general technology of a stepping motor, and is also made up of components that are easily obtainable in the market, thereby being very economical.

Effects of chronic fentanyl administration on physical performance of aged rats

PubMed Central

Mitzelfelt, Jeremiah D.; DuPree, Jameson P.; Seo, Dong-oh; Carter, Christy S.; Morgan, Drake

2010-01-01

There is growing concern over the increasing use of opioids to treat chronic pain in the elderly primarily because of the potential increased sensitivity to the adverse side effects. Here, we use a preclinical model (male Brown Norway X F344 rats aged 12, 18, 24, and 30 months) to describe the outcome of chronic fentanyl administration (1.0 mg/kg/day) on various physiological and behavioral measures. Continuous fentanyl administration resulted in an initial decrease in food consumption, followed by the development of tolerance to this effect over a 4-week period and a subsequent increase in food consumption during withdrawal. This change in food consumption was associated with decreases in body weight (predominantly due to a loss of fat mass) that was maintained through early withdrawal. After one month of withdrawal, only the 12-month old animals had fully regained body weight. Fentanyl administration resulted in a decrease in grip strength and an increase in locomotor activity that did not differ across age groups. There was no effect of fentanyl administration on rotarod performance. These results demonstrate that while there is a delayed recovery of body mass with age, the observed changes in behavioral responses are uniform across ages. PMID:20951790

Effect of heating parameters on sintering behaviors and properties of mullite whisker frameworks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Y. M.; Zeng, D. J.; Wang, B.; Yang, J. F.

2018-04-01

Mullite whisker frameworks were fabricated by vapor-solid reaction with SiO2, Al2O3 and AlF3 powders as the whisker forming agent at high temperatures. The effects of heating temperature and soaking time on the weight loss, liner shrinkage, porosity, microstructure and compressive strength were investigated. The results showed that with the increasing of the sintering temperature and soaking time, the weight loss and liner shrinkage of the samples increased and the porosities decreased due to the accelerated vapor-solid reaction, resulting in strong bonding and grain growth of the mullite frameworks. The compressive strength of the samples increased with increasing the sintering temperature from 1500 to 1650 °C, and decreased with the soaking time extended to more than 5 h for 1500 °C and 2 h for 1650 °C. A maximum compressive strength of 142 MPa at a porosity of 62.3% was obtained for the mullite whisker framework heated at 1500 °C for 5 h. The enhanced strength was attributed to the strong bonding strength and fine mullite grains resulting from a relative lower heating temperature and a modest soaking time.

Safety and dose modification for patients receiving niraparib.

PubMed

Berek, J S; Matulonis, U A; Peen, U; Ghatage, P; Mahner, S; Redondo, A; Lesoin, A; Colombo, N; Vergote, I; Rosengarten, O; Ledermann, J; Pineda, M; Ellard, S; Sehouli, J; Gonzalez-Martin, A; Berton-Rigaud, D; Madry, R; Reinthaller, A; Hazard, S; Guo, W; Mirza, M R

2018-05-14

Niraparib is a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor approved in the United States and Europe for maintenance treatment of adult patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy. In the pivotal ENGOT-OV16/NOVA trial, the dose reduction rate due to TEAE was 68.9%, and the discontinuation rate due to TEAE was 14.7%, including 3.3% due to thrombocytopenia. A retrospective analysis was performed to identify clinical parameters that predict dose reductions. All analyses were performed on the safety population, comprising all patients who received at least one dose of study drug. Patients were analyzed according to the study drug consumed (ie, as treated). A predictive modeling method (decision trees) was used to identify important variables for predicting the likelihood of developing grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia within 30 days after the first dose of niraparib and determine cutoff points for chosen variables. Following dose modification, 200 mg was the most commonly administered dose in the ENGOT-OV16/NOVA trial. Baseline platelet count and baseline body weight were identified as risk factors for increased incidence of grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia. Patients with a baseline body weight <77 kg or a baseline platelet count <150,000/μL in effect received an average daily dose approximating 200 mg (median = 207 mg) due to dose interruption and reduction. Progression-free survival in patients who were dose reduced to either 200 mg or 100 mg was consistent with that of patients who remained at the 300 mg starting dose. The analysis presented suggests that patients with baseline body weight of < 77 kg or baseline platelets of < 150,000/μL may benefit from a starting dose of 200 mg per day. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01847274).

Cardiovascular risk and mortality in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis: sleep study, pulmonary function, respiratory mechanics, upper airway collapsibility, autonomic nervous activity, depression, anxiety, stress and quality of life: a prospective, double blind, randomized controlled clinical trial.

PubMed

dos Reis Santos, Israel; Danaga, Aline Roberta; de Carvalho Aguiar, Isabella; Oliveira, Ezequiel Fernandes; Dias, Ismael Souza; Urbano, Jessica Julioti; Martins, Aline Almeida; Ferraz, Leonardo Macario; Fonsêca, Nina Teixeira; Fernandes, Virgilio; Fernandes, Vinicius Alves Thomaz; Lopes, Viviane Cristina Delgado; Leitão Filho, Fernando Sérgio Studart; Nacif, Sérgio Roberto; de Carvalho, Paulo de Tarso Camillo; Sampaio, Luciana Maria Malosá; Giannasi, Lílian Christiane; Romano, Salvatore; Insalaco, Giuseppe; Araujo, Ana Karina Fachini; Dellê, Humberto; Souza, Nadia Karina Guimarães; Giannella-Neto, Daniel; Oliveira, Luis Vicente Franco

2013-10-08

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most serious public health problems. The increasing prevalence of CKD in developed and developing countries has led to a global epidemic. The hypothesis proposed is that patients undergoing dialysis would experience a marked negative influence on physiological variables of sleep and autonomic nervous system activity, compromising quality of life. A prospective, consecutive, double blind, randomized controlled clinical trial is proposed to address the effect of dialysis on sleep, pulmonary function, respiratory mechanics, upper airway collapsibility, autonomic nervous activity, depression, anxiety, stress and quality of life in patients with CKD. The measurement protocol will include body weight (kg); height (cm); body mass index calculated as weight/height(2); circumferences (cm) of the neck, waist, and hip; heart and respiratory rates; blood pressures; Mallampati index; tonsil index; heart rate variability; maximum ventilatory pressures; negative expiratory pressure test, and polysomnography (sleep study), as well as the administration of specific questionnaires addressing sleep apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life. CKD is a major public health problem worldwide, and its incidence has increased in part by the increased life expectancy and increasing number of cases of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Sleep disorders are common in patients with renal insufficiency. Our hypothesis is that the weather weight gain due to volume overload observed during interdialytic period will influence the degree of collapsibility of the upper airway due to narrowing and predispose to upper airway occlusion during sleep, and to investigate the negative influences of haemodialysis in the physiological variables of sleep, and autonomic nervous system, and respiratory mechanics and thereby compromise the quality of life of patients. The protocol for this study is registered with the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC RBR-7yhr4w and World Health Organization under Universal Trial Number UTN: U1111-1127-9390 [http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-7yhr4w/]).

Activity and Safety of Synthetic Lectins Based on Benzoboroxole-Functionalized Polymers for Inhibition of HIV Entry

PubMed Central

Mahalingam, Alamelu; Geonnotti, Anthony R.; Balzarini, Jan; Kiser, Patrick F.

2011-01-01

Lectins derived from plant and microbial sources constitute a vital class of entry inhibitors that target the oligomannose residues on the HIV envelope gp120. Despite their potency and specificity, success of lectin-based entry inhibitors may be impeded by issues in regards to economical production, formulation and potential mitogenicity. Therefore, there exists a gap in the HIV therapeutics pipeline that underscores the need for mass producible, synthetic, broad-spectrum, and biocomptabile inhibitors of HIV entry. Here, we present the development of a polymeric synthetic lectin, based on benzoboroxole (BzB), which exhibits weak affinity (~25 M−1) for non-reducing sugars, similar to those found on the HIV envelope. High molecular weight BzB-functionalized polymers demonstrated antiviral activity that increased with an increase in ligand density and molecular weight of the polymer construct; revealing that polyvalency improves activity. Polymers showed significant increase in activity from 25 to 75 mol% BzB functionalization with EC50 of 15 μM and 15 nM, respectively. A further increase in mole functionalization to 90% resulted in an increase of the EC50 (59 ± 5 nM), likely due to the elongated rigid structure of the polymer chain compelled by electrostatic repulsion between the boronic acid groups. An increase in molecular weight of the polymer at 50 mol% BzB functionalization showed a gradual but significant increase in antiviral activity, with the highest activity seen with the 382 kDa polymer (EC50 of 1.1 ± 0.5 nM in CEM cells and 11 ± 3 nM in TZM-bl cells). Supplementing the polymer backbone with 10 mol% sulfonic acid not only increased the aqueous solubility of the polymers by at least 50-fold, but also demonstrated a synergistic increase in anti-HIV activity (4.0 ± 1.5 nM in TZM-bl cells), possibly due to electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged polymer backbone and the positively charged V3-loop in the gp120. The benzoboroxole-sulfonic acid copolymers showed no decrease in activity in the presence of a seminal concentration of fructose (p > 0.05). Additionally, the co-polymers exhibit minimal, if any effect on the cellular viability, barrier properties, or cytokine levels in human reconstructed ecto-cervical tissue after 3 days of repeated exposure and did not show pronounced activity against a variety of other RNA and DNA viruses. PMID:21879735

Plasma acylcarnitine profiling indicates increased fatty acid oxidation relative to tricarboxylic acid cycle capacity in young, healthy low birth weight men.

PubMed

Ribel-Madsen, Amalie; Ribel-Madsen, Rasmus; Brøns, Charlotte; Newgard, Christopher B; Vaag, Allan A; Hellgren, Lars I

2016-10-01

We hypothesized that an increased, incomplete fatty acid beta-oxidation in mitochondria could be part of the metabolic events leading to insulin resistance and thereby an increased type 2 diabetes risk in low birth weight (LBW) compared with normal birth weight (NBW) individuals. Therefore, we measured fasting plasma levels of 45 acylcarnitine species in 18 LBW and 25 NBW men after an isocaloric control diet and a 5-day high-fat, high-calorie diet. We demonstrated that LBW men had higher C2 and C4-OH levels after the control diet compared with NBW men, indicating an increased fatty acid beta-oxidation relative to the tricarboxylic acid cycle flux. Also, they had higher C6-DC, C10-OH/C8-DC, and total hydroxyl-/dicarboxyl-acylcarnitine levels, which may suggest an increased fatty acid omega-oxidation in the liver. Furthermore, LBW and NBW men decreased several acylcarnitine levels in response to overfeeding, which is likely a result of an upregulation of fatty acid oxidation due to the dietary challenge. Moreover, C10-OH/C8-DC and total hydroxyl-/dicarboxyl-acylcarnitine levels tended to be negatively associated with the serum insulin level, and the total hydroxyl-/dicarboxyl-acylcarnitine level additionally tended to be negatively associated with the hepatic insulin resistance index. This indicates that an increased fatty acid omega-oxidation could be a compensatory mechanism to prevent an accumulation of lipid species that impair insulin signaling. © 2016 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Physiological Society and The Physiological Society.

Simulating the impact of changing trends in smoking and obesity on productivity of an industrial population: an observational study

PubMed Central

Bhojani, Faiyaz A; Tsai, Shan P; Wendt, Judy K; Koller, Kim L

2014-01-01

Objective To estimate the impact of trends in smoking and obesity prevalence on productivity loss among petrochemical employees from 1980 to 2009. Methods Smoking and obesity informations were collected during company physical examinations. Productivity loss was calculated as differential workdays lost between smokers and non-smokers, and obese and normal-weight employees. Results During 1980–2009, smoking prevalence decreased from 32% to 17%, while obesity prevalence increased from 14% to 42%. In 1982, lost productivity from obesity was an estimated 43 days/100 employees, and for smoking, 65 days/100 employees, but by 1987, workdays lost due to obesity exceeded that attributable to smoking. In 2007, workdays lost from obesity were 3.7 times higher than for smoking. Conclusions Owing to the increasing trend in obesity, the productivity impact on employers from obesity will continue to rise without effective measures supporting employee efforts to achieve healthy weight through sustainable lifestyle changes. PMID:24747795

Correlated responses of respiratory disease and immune capacity traits of Landrace pigs selected for Mycoplasmal pneumonia of swine (MPS) lesion.

PubMed

Okamura, Toshihiro; Maeda, Kouki; Onodera, Wataru; Kadowaki, Hiroshi; Kojima-Shibata, Chihiro; Suzuki, Eisaku; Uenishi, Hirohide; Satoh, Masahiro; Suzuki, Keiichi

2016-09-01

Five generations of Landrace pigs selected for average daily gain, backfat thickness, Mycoplasmal pneumonia of swine (MPS) lesion score, and plasma cortisol levels, was executed to decrease the MPS lesion score. Genetic parameters and correlated genetic responses for respiratory disease and peripheral blood immune traits were estimated in 1395 Landrace pigs. We estimated the negative genetic correlation of MPS lesion score with phagocytic activity (PA) at 7 weeks of age (-0.67). The breeding values of PA at 7 weeks of age and 105 kg body weight and the correlated selection response of the ratio of granular leukocytes to lymphocytes at 105 kg body weight were significantly increased, and sheep red blood cell-specific antibody production (AP) was significantly decreased in a selection-dependent manner. Increasing of natural immunological indicators (e.g. PA) and decreasing of humoral immunological indicator (e.g. AP) were observed due to genetically decreasing MPS lesion score. © 2015 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Influence of injection temperatures and fiberglass compositions on mechanical properties of polypropylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keey, Tony Tiew Chun; Azuddin, M.

2017-06-01

Injection molding process appears to be one of the most suitable mass and cost efficiency manufacturing processes for polymeric parts nowadays due to its high efficiency of large scale production. When down-scaling the products and components, the limits of conventional injection molding process are reached. These constraints had initiated the development of conventional injection molding process into a new era of micro injection molding technology. In this study, fiberglass reinforced polypropylenes (PP) with various glass fiber percentage materials were used. The study start with fabrication of micro tensile specimens at three different injection temperature, 260°C, 270°C and 280°C for different percentage by weight of fiberglass reinforced PP. Then evaluate the effects of various injection temperatures on the tensile properties of micro tensile specimens. Different percentage by weight of fiberglass reinforced PP were tested as well and it was found that 20% fiberglass reinforced PP possessed the greatest percentage increase of tensile strength with increasing temperatures.

Influence of post hatch dietary supplementation of fat on performance, carcass cuts and biochemical profile in Ven Cobb broiler.

PubMed

Rai, Komal Prasad; Gendley, M K; Tiwari, S P; Sahu, Tarini; Naik, Surendra Kumar

2015-02-01

The present experiment was conducted to study the effect of post hatch dietary fat supplementation on performance of broiler chicken. A total of 120 day-old Ven Cobb broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups of 30 chicks in each (three replicates of 10 birds/treatment). The trial lasted for 35 days. The experimental design was a completely randomized design. Four types of diet were formulated for 1(st) week: T1, T2, T3 and T4 contained control diet with no added fat, 2.5, 5 and 7.5% fat, respectively. After 1(st) week post-hatch period chicks were fed ad libitum with the normal basal diet as per Bureau of Indian Standard recommendations till completion of the experiment (8-35 days). Significantly higher (p<0.05) body weight and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded in birds fed 5% dietary fat at the end of the experiment whereas, feed intake was not significantly affected. Significantly (p<0.05) higher dressed weight was observed due to 5% fat supplementation than other groups whereas, it was not significant for other carcass cuts. No significant differences were observed in moisture, protein and lipid content of breast and thigh muscle of broiler due to supplemented fat whereas, 2.5% dietary fat significantly (p<0.05) increase the serum HI titer on day 28(th). In biochemical profile, higher serum albumin (g/dl) was recorded due to 5% fat supplementation whereas other biochemical components did not show any significance difference among treatments. It may be concluded that supplementation of fat in broilers diet improves the overall FCR, dressing percentage and gain more body weight.

Weight Loss and Coronary Heart Disease: Sensitivity Analysis for Unmeasured Confounding by Undiagnosed Disease.

PubMed

Danaei, Goodarz; Robins, James M; Young, Jessica G; Hu, Frank B; Manson, JoAnn E; Hernán, Miguel A

2016-03-01

Evidence for the effect of weight loss on coronary heart disease (CHD) or mortality has been mixed. The effect estimates can be confounded due to undiagnosed diseases that may affect weight loss. We used data from the Nurses' Health Study to estimate the 26-year risk of CHD under several hypothetical weight loss strategies. We applied the parametric g-formula and implemented a novel sensitivity analysis for unmeasured confounding due to undiagnosed disease by imposing a lag time for the effect of weight loss on chronic disease. Several sensitivity analyses were conducted. The estimated 26-year risk of CHD did not change under weight loss strategies using lag times from 0 to 18 years. For a 6-year lag time, the risk ratios of CHD for weight loss compared with no weight loss ranged from 1.00 (0.99, 1.02) to 1.02 (0.99, 1.05) for different degrees of weight loss with and without restricting the weight loss strategy to participants with no major chronic disease. Similarly, no protective effect of weight loss was estimated for mortality risk. In contrast, we estimated a protective effect of weight loss on risk of type 2 diabetes. We estimated that maintaining or losing weight after becoming overweight or obese does not reduce the risk of CHD or death in this cohort of middle-age US women. Unmeasured confounding, measurement error, and model misspecification are possible explanations but these did not prevent us from estimating a beneficial effect of weight loss on diabetes.

Neonatal Mortality Risk Associated with Preterm Birth in East Africa, Adjusted by Weight for Gestational Age: Individual Participant Level Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Marchant, Tanya; Willey, Barbara; Katz, Joanne; Clarke, Siân; Kariuki, Simon; ter Kuile, Feiko; Lusingu, John; Ndyomugyenyi, Richard; Schmiegelow, Christentze; Watson-Jones, Deborah; Armstrong Schellenberg, Joanna

2012-01-01

Background Low birth weight and prematurity are amongst the strongest predictors of neonatal death. However, the extent to which they act independently is poorly understood. Our objective was to estimate the neonatal mortality risk associated with preterm birth when stratified by weight for gestational age in the high mortality setting of East Africa. Methods and Findings Members and collaborators of the Malaria and the MARCH Centers, at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, were contacted and protocols reviewed for East African studies that measured (1) birth weight, (2) gestational age at birth using antenatal ultrasound or neonatal assessment, and (3) neonatal mortality. Ten datasets were identified and four met the inclusion criteria. The four datasets (from Uganda, Kenya, and two from Tanzania) contained 5,727 births recorded between 1999–2010. 4,843 births had complete outcome data and were included in an individual participant level meta-analysis. 99% of 445 low birth weight (<2,500 g) babies were either preterm (<37 weeks gestation) or small for gestational age (below tenth percentile of weight for gestational age). 52% of 87 neonatal deaths occurred in preterm or small for gestational age babies. Babies born <34 weeks gestation had the highest odds of death compared to term babies (odds ratio [OR] 58.7 [95% CI 28.4–121.4]), with little difference when stratified by weight for gestational age. Babies born 34–36 weeks gestation with appropriate weight for gestational age had just three times the likelihood of neonatal death compared to babies born term, (OR 3.2 [95% CI 1.0–10.7]), but the likelihood for babies born 34–36 weeks who were also small for gestational age was 20 times higher (OR 19.8 [95% CI 8.3–47.4]). Only 1% of babies were born moderately premature and small for gestational age, but this group suffered 8% of deaths. Individual level data on newborns are scarce in East Africa; potential biases arising due to the non-systematic selection of the individual studies, or due to the methods applied for estimating gestational age, are discussed. Conclusions Moderately preterm babies who are also small for gestational age experience a considerably increased likelihood of neonatal death in East Africa. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary. PMID:22904691

Increasing viscosity and inertia using a robotically-controlled pen improves handwriting in children

PubMed Central

Ben-Pazi, Hilla; Ishihara, Abraham; Kukke, Sahana; Sanger, Terence D

2010-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mechanical properties of the pen on the quality of handwriting in children. Twenty two school aged children, ages 8–14 years wrote in cursive using a pen attached to a robot. The robot was programmed to increase the effective weight (inertia) and stiffness (viscosity) of the pen. Speed, frequency, variability, and quality of the two handwriting samples were compared. Increased inertia and viscosity improved handwriting quality in 85% of children (p<0.05). Handwriting quality did not correlate with changes in speed, suggesting that improvement was not due to reduced speed. Measures of movement variability remained unchanged, suggesting that improvement was not due to mechanical smoothing of pen movement by the robot. Since improvement was not explained by reduced speed or mechanical smoothing, we conclude that children alter handwriting movements in response to pen mechanics. Altered movement could be caused by changes in proprioceptive sensory feedback. PMID:19794098

Hepatic Complications of Anorexia Nervosa.

PubMed

Rosen, Elissa; Bakshi, Neeru; Watters, Ashlie; Rosen, Hugo R; Mehler, Philip S

2017-11-01

Anorexia nervosa (AN) has the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric illnesses due to the widespread organ dysfunction caused by the underlying severe malnutrition. Starvation causes hepatocyte injury and death leading to a rise in aminotransferases. Malnutrition-induced hepatitis is common among individuals with AN especially as body mass index decreases. Acute liver failure associated with coagulopathy and encephalopathy can rarely occur. Liver enzymes may also less commonly increase as part of the refeeding process due to hepatic steatosis and can be distinguished from starvation hepatitis by the finding of a fatty liver on ultrasonography. Individuals with AN and starvation-induced hepatitis are at increased risk of hypoglycemia due to depleted glycogen stores and impaired gluconeogenesis. Gastroenterology and hepatology consultations are often requested when patients with AN and signs of hepatitis are hospitalized. It should be noted that additional laboratory testing, imaging, or liver biopsy all have low diagnostic yield, are costly, and potentially invasive, therefore, not generally recommended for diagnostic purposes. While the hepatitis of AN can reach severe levels, a supervised increase in caloric intake and a return to a healthy body weight often quickly lead to normalization of elevated aminotransferases caused by starvation.

Perceptions of weight discrimination: prevalence and comparison to race and gender discrimination in America.

PubMed

Puhl, R M; Andreyeva, T; Brownell, K D

2008-06-01

Limited data are available on the prevalence and patterns of body weight discrimination from representative samples. This study examined experiences of weight/height discrimination in a nationally representative sample of US adults and compared their prevalence and patterns with discrimination experiences based on race and gender. Data were from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States, a 1995-1996 community-based survey of English-speaking adults aged 25-74 (N=2290). Reported experiences of weight/height discrimination included a variety of institutional settings and interpersonal relationships. Multivariate regression analyses were used to predict weight/height discrimination controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and body weight status. The prevalence of weight/height discrimination ranged from 5% among men to 10% among women, but these average percentages obscure the much higher risk of weight discrimination among heavier individuals (40% for adults with body mass index (BMI) of 35 and above). Younger individuals with a higher BMI had a particularly high risk of weight/height discrimination regardless of their race, education and weight status. Women were at greater risk for weight/height discrimination than men, especially women with a BMI of 30-35 who were three times more likely to report weight/height discrimination compared to male peers of a similar weight. Weight/height discrimination is prevalent in American society and is relatively close to reported rates of racial discrimination, particularly among women. Both institutional forms of weight/height discrimination (for example, in employment settings) and interpersonal mistreatment due to weight/height (for example, being called names) were common, and in some cases were even more prevalent than discrimination due to gender and race.

An Evaluative Study of the Defense Mechanism Test

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-07-01

massive increase in this effect. The use of a parallel test with more dissimilar stimuli is also not a practicable option, as in this case results would no...training" was practically null (0.07). In order to be sure that this result was not simply due to inappropriate application of Swedish weightings of the...the threatening image is a father figure, catching the boy masturbating (the violin being a phallic symbol). Unsuccessful candidates In the test have

Body fluid volumes in rats with mestranol-induced hypertension

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fowler, W.L. Jr.; Johnson, J.A.; Kurz, K.D.

Because estrogens have been reported to produce sodium retention, this study investigated the possibility that hypertension in rats resulting from the ingestion of an estrogen used as an oral contraceptive could be due to increases in body fluid volumes. Female rats were given feed containing mestranol for 1, 3, and 6 mo; control rats were given the feed without mestranol. The mestranol-treated rats had higher arterial pressures than the controls only after 6 mo of treatment. Plasma volume, extracellular fluid volume, and total body water were measured in each rat by the distribution volumes of radioiodinated serum albumin, /sup 32/SO/submore » 4/, and tritiated water, respectively. The body fluid volumes, expressed per 100 g of body weight, were not different between the mestranol-treated rats and their controls at any of the three treatment times. Due to differences in body weight and lean body mass between the mestranol-treated and the control rats, these volumes also were expressed per 100 g of lean body mass. Again, no differences were observed between the mestranol-treated rats and the control rats for any of these body fluid compartments at any of the treatment times. These studies, therefore, were unable to provide evidence that increases in body fluid volumes contributed to the elevated arterial pressure in this rat model of oral contraceptive hypertension.« less